The titanium implant post is designed to be permanent — long-term studies show the large majority of implants still functioning past 20 years. The visible crown or bridge is the part that wears, typically needing replacement after 10–15 years.
What actually ages
- The post (implant itself): fused to bone; with healthy gums it simply stays
- The crown/bridge: chewing wears porcelain and acrylic like it wears natural enamel — plan on a replacement cycle of roughly 10–15 years
- Small hardware: abutment screws can loosen over the years; an easy fix at maintenance visits
- Gums and bone: the real longevity variable — protected by hygiene, maintenance, and not smoking
How to get the lifetime version
Implant longevity is mostly a partnership: precise placement and quality parts from your dental team; daily cleaning and regular checkups from you. That’s the combination behind the implants still going strong at year 25.
Wondering what this means for your own case? A consultation at Select Dental Implants includes a cone-beam 3D scan and an honest, itemized answer — call (951) 672-6788 or request an appointment.