How Long Do Dental Implants Last? | Junction Family Dental Care

Dental
Oct 2, 2025

How long do dental implants last is one of the most common questions our patients ask when considering this treatment. 

Dental implants provide a long-term solution for missing teeth. 

Their lifespan depends on factors like your oral hygiene, lifestyle, and professional care.

At Junction Family Dental Care in Toronto, we have helped many patients restore their smiles with implants. 

We’re here to explain what you can expect.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. 

In short, they act like artificial tooth roots. 

After they heal, they can support crowns, bridges, or dentures. 

Unlike removable options, implants naturally bond with the bone, providing a permanent and secure support system. 

This stability helps them look and feel like real teeth. 

It also keeps the jawbone healthy, preventing the “sunken” look that can happen after losing a tooth.

If you want to know the cost in Ontario, we have a guide for that as well.

So, How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more, and often even a lifetime. 

That’s why we recommend this treatment as a long-term investment.

Studies show that dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, making them one of the most reliable dental treatments available. 

However, the crown or restoration on top of the implant might need replacement every 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear.

Factors That Influence How Long They Last

Dental implants, like other treatments such as teeth whitening and crowns, require proper care to last a long time.

In fact, it is not tied to one factor but to several ones:

1. Oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly to keep your implants healthy.

2. Lifestyle habits: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to implant failure. Alcohol is also a risk factor for your implant when your wound is healing

3. Bone health: Patients with enough bone density have stronger implants.

4. Diet: You know that eating a balanced diet is good for your body. But this is especially true for your dental health. It helps, as it supports your bone and gum health. 

After surgery, we recommend soft, nutrient-rich foods.

5. Regular checkups: Visit The Junction regularly to keep your implants strong and functional.

Signs Your Implant Is Doing Well

A healthy implant should feel like a natural tooth (yes, for real)

But we advise our patients to watch for these signs: 

  • Pain or swelling around the implant
  • Loosening of the crown or abutment
  • Gum recession or inflammation

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment at The Junction right away.

How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

There are ways to take care of your implant to ensure it lasts 20 years or even longer. 

  • Brush your teeth twice a day and floss carefully around your implant. 
  • Regular professional cleanings help us find problems early. 
  • If you grind your teeth, you may need a night guard (similar to those used by people with sleep apnea).
  • After the surgery, avoid dairy
  • Avoid smoking because it affects healing and raises the chance of implant failure.

If you ignore these recommendations, let us be clear: poor dental care can lead to gum disease and bone loss, which can result in the loss of your dental implant.

What About Other Treatments?

When comparing dental implants to other treatments, implants are a better choice for long-term value.

Bridges last 10 to 15 years, but they require filing down nearby teeth. Check our cost guide for details: How much will a dental bridge cost without insurance in Canada?

Dentures are affordable, but they are not very stable. They usually need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.

Crowns are strong but typically only last around 10 years.

Overall, implants offer the best long-term return on your investment.

So, Are Implants Worth It?

Implants cost more at first, but they are often cheaper in the long run because they last longer. 

Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need several replacements and adjustments, implants usually only need the crowns replaced. 

For more information about costs, check out our related posts:  

FAQs About How Long Do Dental Implants Last

1. Do dental implants ever fail?

Yes, but the failure rate is low (under 5%). 

Smoking, gum disease, and poor bone quality increase the risks.

2. Can anyone get dental implants?

Most healthy adults can get implants. If there's bone loss, you might need a bone graft.

3. Do implants hurt

The procedure uses anesthesia, so most patients only feel mild discomfort afterward. 

Recovery is similar to healing after a tooth extraction.

4. How do implants compare with veneers?

Implants replace missing teeth, while veneers improve the look of existing teeth. 

5. Will insurance cover dental implants? 

Some insurance plans may cover part of the cost, but many consider implants elective. Always check your plan.

6. Are implants safe for seniors?

Yes! Age is not a problem. If you're healthy, you can get implants successfully.

7. Where can I get dental implants in Ontario?

You can visit The Junction Family Dental Care. We specialize in dental implants and other services. Contact us to book an appointment.

In Summary

Dental implants can last a long time, even a lifetime.

As long as you take good care of them and your oral health. 

At The Junction Family Dental Care, we aim to provide implants that look natural, feel comfortable, and last. 

Feel free to contact us.

You may also like