How Long Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Last?

Full mouth dental implants at Port Huron Periodontic Associates are comprised of three parts: the post or implant which acts as the tooth’s root and is typically made of titanium or zirconia. Both materials are incredibly durable, hard-wearing, and corrosion resistant. As such, 95% of dental implants are still in function 25 years later. The other two components of full mouth dental implant are the abutment, which fastens to the implant and holds the crown in place, and the crown, which replaces your natural tooth and attaches to the abutment. The abutment may be made of gold, stainless steel, or most commonly titanium, and dental crowns are typically made of porcelain. Although both very durable, the abutment and crown are more susceptible to being damaged and requiring replacement compared to the titanium post.

Several factors will affect the longevity of your full mouth dental implants, one of the most important being how well you keep your mouth clean. Your lifestyle habits will also determine the longevity of your implants, such as your diet, whether you have underlying medical or oral health issues, and smoking. Finally, full mouth dental implants can be damaged unnecessarily by engaging in risky behavior, such as opening bottles with your teeth, biting on pencils, or using your teeth to open packages. In short: the better care you take of your full mouth dental implants, the longer they will last.

Aftercare Instruction

To avoid complications and/or causing damage to your full mouth dental implants, be sure to follow aftercare instructions following your procedure.

• Avoid brushing or touching the surgical area
• Follow a soft food diet for two or up to six weeks, slowly reintroducing hard foods as you heal
• Avoid foods that are extremely cold or hot
• Do not spit or use a straw for at least 24 hours following surgery
• Avoid tobacco or alcohol
• Avoid or limit physical activity for 24-72 hours or longer if possible

In addition to following these post-procedural instructions, to ensure that you sustain the health of your full mouth dental implants and continue to enjoy a bright, healthy smile, it is essential that you practice good oral self-care. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day, eating a balanced diet, leading a healthy lifestyle, and scheduling regular dental checkups at least every six months. Scheduling these regular checkups allows your dentist or periodontist to monitor the status of your full mouth dental implants and your overall oral health. If any issues with your implant are identified, it is important to address these issues as early as possible.

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