The short answer
The implant post can last for decades when the gum and bone around it stay healthy. The crown on top is a wearing part and is more likely to need replacing along the way.
Implant, abutment, crown: what wears out
An implant restoration has three parts. The titanium post sits in the bone, the abutment connects to it, and the crown is the visible tooth. Each has a different lifespan.
The post has no moving parts and does not decay. The crown takes the daily load of chewing, so like any dental restoration it can chip, wear or loosen over the years.
What shortens an implant's life
Most late problems come from the tissues around the implant rather than the implant itself.
- Gum disease around the implant. Plaque causes inflammation that can slowly destroy the supporting bone.
- Smoking. It slows healing and raises the risk of implant failure.
- Grinding and clenching. Heavy forces can chip crowns and loosen components.
- Skipped maintenance. Problems found early are usually simple to treat.
How to look after implants
Clean implants the way you would natural teeth: brush twice a day and clean between the teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes sized by your hygienist.
Keep regular hygiene visits so the gum around each implant can be measured and cleaned professionally. If you grind at night, a guard protects both implants and natural teeth.
When to see your dentist
Book a check if you notice bleeding or swelling around an implant, a bad taste, a crown that feels loose or a change in your bite. Early treatment is usually much simpler than late treatment.
If you are weighing up treatment, our dental implants page explains the process and fees.
Common questions
Do implants need replacing?
The post usually does not. Crowns, bridges and clip-in components wear with use and may be renewed over time.
Can an implant get a cavity?
No, but the gum and bone around it can become infected, which is why cleaning matters just as much as with natural teeth.
How often should implants be checked?
[Recall interval recommended by the clinic.]
Sources
- [Source 1: peer-reviewed study or professional body on long-term implant survival]
- [Source 2]
This article is general information and not a substitute for an examination by a dentist.