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Dental implants are one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available today, with success rates of 95% to 98%. Even better, they are designed to last a lifetime. But like natural teeth, implants depend on daily care and regular monitoring to stay strong and functional.
At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we want every patient to feel confident in their investment. Whether you’ve just received an implant or had one for years, here is what you need to know about protecting your dental implant lifespan for the long haul.
We offer oral surgery at our locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low.
Table of Contents
- Why Dental Implant Care Is So Important
- Daily Oral Hygiene: Your First Line of Defense
- Smoking and Implant Failure: Know the Risks
- Factors That Influence Healing and Long-Term Success
- Routine Dental Visits: The Key to Long-Term Health
- Protect Your Investment for Life
- Schedule a Free Dental Implant Consultation
- FAQs
Why Dental Implant Care Is So Important
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium, placed in the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Unlike natural teeth, implants cannot develop cavities—but they are still surrounded by living tissue.
Without proper care, plaque and bacteria can build up around the implant, causing gum inflammation, bone loss, and even implant failure. The success of your dental implant depends just as much on your daily care as it does on the procedure itself.
Daily Oral Hygiene: Your First Line of Defense
You don’t need any special products or routines to care for a dental implant, but you do need consistency.
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss once a day, making sure to clean around the implant base.
- Consider an interdental brush or water flosser for easier cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the crown.
This routine helps prevent dental implant infection (peri-implantitis), a condition similar to gum disease that can lead to bone loss and implant instability.
Smoking and Implant Failure: Know the Risks
If you smoke, it’s important to know that tobacco is one of the leading causes of implant failure.
Smoking:
- Slows down healing after surgery
- Increases the risk of gum disease and infection
- Causes gum recession around the implant
- Impairs blood flow and bone integration
Patients who smoke are up to 3 times more likely to experience implant failure. Quitting is one of the best things you can do to support your implant and your overall health.
Factors That Influence Healing and Long-Term Success
Your implant’s long-term performance starts with the initial healing period, which is typically 3–6 months. Several factors can affect healing and integration:
- Systemic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune disorders)
- Poor oral hygiene or existing gum disease
- Active infection at the time of surgery
- Need for bone or sinus grafting before implant placement
- Medications that impact bone metabolism or immune function
Our team evaluates these risk factors before surgery and provides detailed care instructions to help your implant heal properly and integrate securely with your jawbone.
Rare Causes of Implant Failure
Although rare, some implants may fail due to issues unrelated to hygiene or lifestyle. These include:
- Allergy or sensitivity to titanium
- Surgical complications
- Chronic infection or poor integration with bone
When failure does occur, treatment typically involves removal of the implant, cleaning the area, allowing time for healing, and later replacing it with a new implant if conditions allow. Early detection is key, which is why routine check-ups are non-negotiable.
Routine Dental Visits: The Key to Long-Term Health
Ongoing dental care is a must for implant longevity. Routine check-ups and cleanings allow your dentist to monitor the implant, remove plaque buildup, and catch any issues early. These visits allow your dental team to:
- Monitor your the stability of your implant and bone levels
- Identify early signs of gum disease or complications
- Professionally clean the area around the implant
- Adjust your at-home care plan if needed
Preventive care is always easier (and more affordable) than fixing a problem down the line.
Protect Your Investment for Life
Getting a dental implant is both a medical procedure and a long-term investment in your health, confidence, and quality of life. At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, our care does not end with the procedure. We’re committed to supporting your long-term oral health.
By following your care plan, quitting smoking, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and committing to regular dental check-ups, you can help your implant last as long as possible.
Schedule a Free Dental Implant Consultation
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or have been thinking about treatment for a while, AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is here to help. We offer free dental implant consultations to answer your questions, evaluate your needs, and walk you through the process step by step.
With offices in Mesa, North Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Show Low, our board-certified oral surgeons are here to help you preserve your oral health, whether that means removal or monitoring.
To book an appointment at any one of our locations, call or text (480) 830-5866.
FAQs
With proper care, dental implants can last 25 years or more, and many last a lifetime. The crown or prosthetic attached to the implant may need replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear.
The most common causes of implant failure include poor oral hygiene, smoking, gum disease, and insufficient bone support. Less common causes include titanium allergy, infection, or improper placement.
While the implant itself is artificial, the surrounding gum tissue and bone are not. Peri-implantitis is a form of infection that can damage the bone and compromise implant stability if not treated.
AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has offices across Arizona, including Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low, and Tempe, making it easy to find expert implant care near you.
