98.5% of dental implants survive for at least 70 months. But some implants can last much longer.

Dental implants consist of three components, including the implant screw and crown. The lifetime of each part varies, depending on the material and how well you care for your teeth.

So how long do dental implants last exactly? We are doing a deep dive into the answer to this question in this guide.

Types of Dental Implants

The titanium screw component of an implant should last for at least 30 years. But what about the crown that goes over it? The answer is that it depends on the type of material the crown consists of.

Learn about the most common types of crowns for dental implants below.

Zirconia

Also known as solid crowns, zirconia crowns are the gold standard in implant dentistry. The implant screw and crown both consist of zirconium oxide, a type of ceramic that is stronger than porcelain.

Dentists only recommend zirconia crowns for teeth in the back of the mouth. That’s because this material is not as translucent as natural enamel, though it does come in white.

PFM

PFM is an acronym for porcelain-fused-to-metal. As the name suggests, these implants consist of a metal implant screw with a porcelain crown. The metal may be titanium, nickel, cobalt, or gold.

Before solid crowns became the industry’s gold standard, PFM implants were considered the best implant type. They also solve the aesthetic problem of zirconia crowns because porcelain is virtually identical to real enamel.

Gold

Gold implants consist of a gold alloy or a combination of gold and another metal like nickel or chromium. Crowns made of gold alloys are incredibly strong and easy to clean, though they aren’t the most natural-looking choice.

It is important to note that most dentists do not recommend gold implant screws. Other metals are much more durable and biocompatible with your gums and jawbone.

PMMA

PMMA stands for polymethylmethacrylate acrylic. It is a type of plastic that can be engineered to look just like natural teeth. Crowns made of this material are also highly affordable.

Unfortunately, PMMA crowns are not a long-term solution. Dentists may recommend them for temporary crowns. However, you will eventually need a replacement since they are not very durable.

Composite Resin

Composite resin is similar to PMMA. It is an engineered polymer made from plastic and glass. The glass makes composite resin crowns slightly more durable than PMMA, though they still can’t compare to PFM and solid zirconia.

Your dentist may recommend composite resin crowns if you are concerned about cost. Still, you may end up paying more in the long run because you’ll have to replace them more often.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can last a few weeks or more than a few decades. The exact lifetime of your crown depends on its material. We will break down crown lifetime by material type next.

How Long Do Zirconia Implants Last?

Solid zirconia implants can last longer than 20 years if you take good care of them. Aside from solid gold, this is the longest-lasting material on our list, which is why implant dentists consider it the gold standard.

How Long Do PFM Implants Last?

PFM implants can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. There are ways to make your porcelain crowns last longer. We’ll talk about a few strategies to do just that later in this guide.

How Long Do Gold Implants Last?

Gold implants may not be the most aesthetic choice, but gold crowns can last more than 50 years before needing a replacement. Their exact lifespan depends on the type of metal that gets mixed in and how much.

How Long Do PMMA Implants Last?

PMMA crowns are only supposed to be short-term solutions. Your dentist will only recommend them for around four weeks. That’s why PMMA crowns are also known as temporary crowns.

How Long Do Composite Resin Implants Last?

Composite resin implants typically last around five years before you have to get them replaced. This makes composite resin crowns the shortest-lasting type on our list.

How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

As we mentioned earlier, there are ways to extend the lifetime of your implant crown(s). And the good news is that you can do these things at home. Keep reading for the top three ways to get the most out of your implants.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Like natural teeth roots, implant screws fuse into your jawbone. Gum disease or tooth decay in the surrounding area can compromise the integrity of your implant screw. That’s why it’s crucial to practice good dental care and hygiene.

But it’s not just the implant screw that’s at risk. You may also damage the surface of your crown if you use the wrong products. So, avoid abrasive toothpaste, hard-bristled toothbrushes, and harsh mouthwashes.

Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol

Alcohol and tobacco can have acute and chronic effects on your implants. In the short term, using these substances while recovering from dental implant surgery reduces oxygen flow, which slows the healing process.

In the long term, these substances can wreak havoc on your oral health. When left on the teeth, alcohol can cause decay. Tobacco increases your risk of severe gum disease, which can impact the integrity of your implant screws.

Prevent Crown Damage

Even the most durable implants and crowns can be damaged. For example, facial trauma and sports injuries can knock out your implant. And eating hard food or chewy candy can damage your crown prematurely.

You should also avoid opening bottles or packaging with your teeth and stay away from ice. These habits are bad not only for your implants but also for your natural teeth.

Get Dental Implants in St. Louis

So how long do dental implants last? The implant screw can last from 30 years to a lifetime. Crowns need replacing sooner, though some materials may last 3050 years if you take good care of them.

Are you searching for implant dentistry in St. Louis? Forest Park Dental is a full-service clinic offering dental services near you. Schedule an appointment today to find out if you’re a good implant candidate.