How long can dental implants last, and how to properly care for your oral health after implant surgery

Generally, dental implantation involves placing an artificial tooth root into the alveolar bone to replace a missing tooth and restore oral function. The typical reference price for a dental implant ranges from 3,000 to 15,000 yuan per tooth. Noticeable improvement is usually observed within 3 to 6 months, although complications such as infection or bleeding may occur. A dental implant typically lasts 10 to 20 years, with the exact duration depending on factors such as the implant material and maintenance practices. After implantation, proper postoperative oral care can be achieved by maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a light diet, avoiding collisions and external impacts, attending regular follow-up checkups, and using antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications appropriately. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. How Long Can a Dental Implant Last?

When high-quality materials such as pure titanium, cold-worked titanium, or titanium-zirconium alloy are used, and with proper oral care, regular teeth cleaning, and avoidance of long-term hard food biting, dental implants generally last 15–20 years. These superior implant materials offer excellent biocompatibility and stability, which help extend the lifespan of the implant.

Using low-quality implant materials or neglecting oral hygiene, along with prolonged chewing on hard objects, may compromise the stability and longevity of the implant, reducing its lifespan to 10–15 years. Inferior materials often have poor manufacturing quality and lower stability, making them less durable over time.

It is recommended to visit a reputable medical institution and undergo the procedure under a doctor's guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. Additionally, following the doctor’s advice for regular maintenance helps preserve the function and stability of the dental implant.

II. How to Perform Postoperative Oral Care After Dental Implantation

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild toothpaste to brush teeth morning and night. Floss regularly to clean the spaces between the implant and adjacent teeth, ensuring thorough oral cleanliness. This helps prevent oral diseases and infections and supports overall oral health.

2. Eat a Light Diet
During the postoperative recovery period, consume soft and mild foods such as porridge, noodles, and steamed eggs. Avoid spicy, greasy, excessively hot, or hard foods to prevent irritating the surgical site or increasing oral strain.

3. Avoid Collision and External Impact
Physical impacts or trauma may loosen or damage the implant, affecting its stability and longevity. During recovery, get adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities or using teeth to open bottle caps, which could cause unnecessary damage to the implant.

4. Attend Regular Follow-Up Checkups
Patients should schedule routine follow-up visits and examinations as advised by their dentist. Regular monitoring allows early detection and management of any abnormalities in the tissues surrounding the implant, ensuring the implant remains healthy and stable.

5. Use Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatory Medications Appropriately
If symptoms such as gum swelling, bleeding, or pain occur after implantation, take medications such as ibuprofen tablets, cefixime capsules, or Yunnan Baiyao capsules as prescribed by a doctor. Do not adjust the dosage or discontinue medication without medical advice, as proper use promotes healing.

In daily life, maintain healthy eating habits and avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the implant. Gently brush and clean the mouth to minimize plaque buildup, which contributes to long-term oral health.