How many years does an implant usually last?
An implant isn’t a product that is “done after so many years.” Depending on how it is cared for, it may last a long time or develop problems within a few years. Several studies report 10-year survival rates of 90% or more, but these are results from patients who received regular maintenance. What I explain first in the clinic is that an implant has three parts, and each part has a different lifespan and different problems.
| Part | Role | Common problems | What we do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixture (the screw placed in the bone) | Acts as the tooth root | Surrounding bone breaks down from peri-implantitis | Gum treatment at an early stage; if severe, removal and placing a new one |
| Abutment and screw | Connects the root and the crown | Screw loosening, fracture | Retighten or replace the screw |
| Crown (the chewing top) | The visible tooth | Chipping, wear, food getting stuck | Remake only the crown |
Crown or screw problems are relatively simple to fix. What actually ends an implant’s life is, in most cases, peri-implantitis — the bone around the root breaking down.
What makes an implant fail early?
The most common cause is bacterial inflammation, followed by excessive force. The more of the following overlap, the greater the risk.
- Peri-implantitis: plaque (a bacterial film) that builds up at the gumline causes inflammation that breaks down the bone.
- Smoking: it reduces blood flow to the gums, making them more vulnerable to inflammation. Several studies report higher failure rates in smokers.
- Teeth grinding and clenching: natural teeth have a ligament that absorbs shock, but implants don’t, so the force goes straight to the bone.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: wound healing and control of inflammation slow down.
- Gaps in checkups: early inflammation hardly hurts, so it is easy to leave it for years.
How can I tell if I have peri-implantitis?
Pain from peri-implantitis comes late, so you need to catch the signs that appear before it hurts. Implants have no nerve, so in many cases you feel nothing even at a stage where a natural tooth would have felt sensitive.
- Bleeding only around the implant when you brush
- Gums that are red or swollen, with pus coming out when pressed
- A smell from that spot, or food getting stuck often
- Gums receding so the metal part shows
- A wobbly feeling when chewing (by this stage it has often already progressed)
What to do first if you have these symptoms is covered separately in when the gum around an implant is swollen and bleeding.
How should I brush around an implant?
The key to implant care is cleaning the gumline and between the teeth rather than the tooth surfaces. An implant crown is wider at the top than the root, so plaque easily hides below the edge.
- Tilt a soft toothbrush 45 degrees toward the gums and brush the gumline with short, vibrating strokes.
- Once a day, clean both sides of the implant with an interdental brush. The right size goes in without getting stuck, with a little resistance.
- Under implants joined like a bridge, thread through with Superfloss (floss with a stiff end).
- Use a water flosser as an extra; it can’t replace the toothbrush and interdental brush.
How often should I get implant checkups and scaling?
Usually, I recommend checkups every 3–6 months for the first year after the crown is placed, and every 6 months to 1 year once it is stable. If you smoke or have a history of gum disease, we set shorter intervals. At the checkup, we check gum pocket depth, bone height on X-ray, screw loosening, and whether chewing force is concentrated on one side. Tartar around the implant is removed with dedicated instruments so the surface isn’t scratched, and it is convenient to have scaling at the same visit as the checkup.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
At Wonjin Dental, we plan implants after checking the amount and position of bone with panoramic and three-dimensional (CT) imaging, and we use Osstem implants (SA, BA, SOI). For maintenance, we use insurance-covered scaling (once a year), and additional scaling is ₩60,000, not covered by insurance. If you grind your teeth, we also discuss a night guard you wear while sleeping (₩500,000), and a loose screw is fixed by replacement (₩150,000). You can see all prices in all fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can implants get cavities?
The implant itself can’t get cavities. However, gum disease can develop, and if a neighboring natural tooth gets a cavity, food can get stuck and the gums around the implant can deteriorate as well.
If an implant is wobbly, is it falling out?
Often it wobbles because the screw holding the crown has loosened, and in that case it can be retightened or replaced. If the root itself is moving, a lot of bone may have broken down, so don’t put it off — see a dentist right away.
Can I use an electric toothbrush on implant teeth?
Yes. Use soft bristles and hold the head briefly at the gumline; you still need to use an interdental brush separately.
Can an implant that has reached the end of its life be replaced?
In most cases, yes. The old implant is removed and the new one is placed after waiting for the bone to recover or after a bone graft, so it can take longer than the first time.
