Dental Implant Longevity: How Long Do They Really Last?

When you get a dental implant, a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Also known as a tooth implant, it’s designed to be a permanent solution—but how long it actually lasts depends on more than just the hardware. Most people assume dental implants last forever, but that’s not quite true. The implant itself, if placed correctly and cared for, can last 25 years or more. But the crown on top? That might need replacing every 10 to 15 years. What really matters isn’t the metal—it’s your mouth’s health.

Implant success rate, the percentage of implants that integrate properly with bone and stay functional over time. Also known as osseointegration success, it’s over 95% in healthy patients with good oral hygiene. But that number drops fast if you smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes, or skip regular cleanings. Your gums aren’t just there for show—they hold everything in place. If gum disease creeps in, it doesn’t just hurt—it can make your implant loose. And once bone starts to dissolve around the implant, it’s hard to reverse. That’s why dental implant care, the daily and professional routines that protect the implant and surrounding tissue. Also known as implant maintenance, it’s not optional—it’s the difference between a lifelong solution and a costly failure. Brushing twice a day, flossing around the implant, and getting professional cleanings every 6 months aren’t just good habits—they’re survival tactics.

Many people don’t realize that where the implant is placed matters too. Back molars take more force than front teeth, so they’re under more stress. If you grind your teeth at night, that pressure can crack the crown or even damage the implant over time. A night guard isn’t just for comfort—it’s insurance. And if you’ve had bone loss before getting the implant, did your dentist use a bone graft? That affects how stable the implant is long-term.

You’ll find posts here that break down real cases—why some implants fail after 5 years, what the NHS and private clinics in the UK actually do differently, and how anesthesia choices during surgery can influence healing. You’ll also see what patients get wrong when they think implants are ‘set and forget.’ This isn’t about marketing hype. It’s about what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to make sure yours lasts as long as possible.