How Long Does a Dental Implant Last? A Complete Guide

April 21, 2025

If you’re considering getting a dental implant in Hampshire or a dental implant in Poole, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: How long will it last? After all, getting a dental implant is an investment in your smile, and you want to be sure it’s worth it.

The great news? A well-placed and properly-maintained dental implant can last a lifetime! But there’s a bit more to it than that. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of your new tooth.

What Makes Dental Implants So Durable?

Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, a dental implant is made to function just like a real tooth. It consists of three main parts:

The Implant Post – A titanium screw placed into your jawbone. This merges with your bone, acting like a natural tooth root.

The Abutment – A small connector that attaches the crown to the implant.

The Crown – The visible part that looks just like a real tooth.

Because dental implants blend with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration), they give unmatched stability and strength. This is why so many people in Hampshire and Poole choose them as a permanent solution for missing teeth.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

When properly cared for, the implant post itself can last a lifetime. The crown, however, usually lasts 10-15 years before it may need replacement due to wear and tear.

The biggest factor in the longevity of your dental implant is how well you take care of it.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Dental Implant

Even though dental implants are amazingly strong, their lifespan depends on a few key things:

1. Oral Hygiene Habits

Just like your natural teeth, dental implants need regular brushing and flossing to prevent gum disease and infection. Poor hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, which can weaken the bone supporting your implant.
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your gums healthy every day.

2. Regular Dental Check-Ups

Routine visits to your Smile Circle dentist in Hampshire or Poole help detect any early signs of problems and keep your implant in top shape.

See your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and check-up.

3. Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Certain foods and habits can put extra strain on your dental implant. Chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard sweets can damage the crown, while smoking increases the risk of implant failure. Avoid bad habits like nail-biting, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packages.

4. Bone and Gum Health

For your dental implant to stay secure, your jawbone and gums need to remain healthy. If you develop gum disease or experience bone loss, it can affect the stability of your implant.

If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums, book an appointment with Smile Circle immediately.

5. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Bruxism (teeth grinding) puts excessive pressure on dental implants, leading to damage over time. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your Smile Circle dentist about a custom night guard to protect your implant.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth, a dental implant in Hampshire or a dental implant in Poole is one of the best investments you can make. They look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, without the hassle of removing dentures.

Here at Smile Circle, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, long-lasting dental implants for our patients in Hampshire and Poole.

We hope you’ve found this blog informative, at Smile Circle we have enjoyed sharing all of our knowledge with you!

If you’d like to find a dentist near you that you can trust, please feel free to use our free online dentist search tool! You can read reviews, about the dentist and their practice before getting in touch to schedule your appointment!

Head over to smilecircle.com for more information, dental plans, dental team and resources, see you over there!