What Is a Dental Implant, and How Long Do Dental Implants Last
Are you curious about how long dental implant treatment takes and whether it's worth the investment?
For most patients, the answer is around 3 to 9 months, depending on healing and whether procedures like bone grafting are required.
While the timeline might seem long, it's designed to ensure that implants securely fuse with your bone for lasting success.
Now, let’s talk about longevity.
Many patients ask, how long do dental implants last? The answer is—longer than most alternatives. Unlike dentures or bridges, they provide a durable, often permanent solution.
The key lies in maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly.
Thinking of transforming your smile?
Knowing the treatment duration and how long implants last will help you decide smartly.
Yes, the process takes time—but the result offers years of comfort, function, and confidence.
Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam are here to guide you through every step.
Schedule Your FREE Initial Consultation NOW for a Brighter, Glowing Smile.

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What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are modern tooth replacement options for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to act as the roots for artificial teeth. Over time, your implant fuses with your bone, providing a permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental implants mimic the root of a natural tooth, giving you a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile. Integrating the titanium post into your jawbone supports the artificial tooth and ensures stability for long-term use.
The length of dental implant treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. The process usually has several steps.
First, there is a FREE initial consultation. Then, surgery takes place. Finally, there is healing time for the implant to connect with your jawbone. In some cases, bone grafting may also be necessary if your bone support for the implant is insufficient.
The process can take several months to a year, but the results are well worth waiting for. Appropriate for how long does it take?
How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?

Many factors affect the time when you think about how long dental implant treatment takes. These include your procedure's complexity, oral health, and how many implants you need.
The treatment usually has several stages that take a few months. After this, there is a healing period. During this time, your implants bond with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
How long dental implant treatment takes depends on whether bone grafting or additional surgeries are necessary. In most cases, the entire process can take 3 to 9 months, allowing for the complete integration. After this healing phase, the final step is placing the crowns or bridges to complete the treatment process.
Wait no longer for the smile you want! At Mercer Island Dental, our warm, welcoming dentists, Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam, help solve your dental problems. Schedule Your FREE Consultation NOW to Start Your Journey to a Beautiful, Functional Smile.

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How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

One of the most common questions is, how long do dental implants last? People recognize dental implants' durability and longevity, offering a long-term solution to missing teeth.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, implants can last a lifetime. How long dental implants last depends on several factors, including the quality of the implant dentistry care, your oral health,level of your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits such as smoking or diet.
Many patients ask how long dental implants last. Our team is here to reassure you.
Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions available today. Regular checkups and proper oral hygiene can significantly increase the lifespan of your implants. When well-maintained, they can last 25 years or more.
Our skilled team dedicates itself to ensuring your implants function beautifully for many years to come. With regular care, they can last a lifetime.
How Do Dental Implants Work?

If you're curious about how dental implants work, it's essential to understand the process. Dental implants work as a replacement root for missing teeth. They are made from titanium and placed directly into your jawbone.
Dental implants work well because of a process called osseointegration. This is when your bone fuses with your titanium post over a few months.
Once the implant has fully integrated into your bone, attaching a crown or bridge to your implant is the next step. This is how dental implants work to provide you with a natural-looking, fully functional replacement for your missing teeth.
The procedure ensures stability and strength, making them a reliable solution for tooth replacement. Actually, dental implants work by combining modern technology with proven dental techniques to achieve long-lasting and effective results.
Ready to restore your smile and your confidence? At Mercer Island Dental, our skilled dentists, Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam, will evaluate your needs. They will explain how you can improve your life. Book Your FREE Initial Consultation Now!

Call us NOW at 206-232-3600 to get the beautiful smile you deserve.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental_implants. To qualify, you must have healthy gums, enough bone density, and a commitment to your oral health.
If your jawbone isn't sufficient to support an implant, a dentist can perform bone grafting to rebuild your bone structure. Your implant dentist will check your overall health and any medical conditions. This helps them decide if implants are right for you.
If you properly care for your implants, they function just like natural teeth. They are stable and durable, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently. The implant fuses with your jawbone after the initial surgery, making it a permanent solution for missing your teeth.
The implants can work flawlessly if you maintain good oral hygiene and regularly brush and floss. However, certain conditions, such as poor oral health or failure to follow aftercare instructions, can lead to implant failure.
Will People Notice My Dental Implant?
Thanks to advanced technology, designers create dental implants that look and feel just like your natural tooth. After the implant securely fits and integrates into your bone, your dentist places a custom-made crown over it.
The implants fit well with your other teeth. This makes them almost impossible to tell apart from your natural smile. As a result, most people won't notice that you've had a tooth replacement. Your smile will look completely natural.
Dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which makes the procedure relatively pain-free. After your surgery, some mild swelling or discomfort may occur, but it usually resolves within a few days.
The pain is minimal and manageable with prescribed medications. For most patients, healing goes well. Once the implant fuses with the bone, you will have a working artificial tooth. It will feel just like a real one.
Once the implant fuses with your bone, it becomes a stable base for placing crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. This solution mimics your natural tooth root, providing a secure fit for artificial teeth. Unlike removable dentures or dental bridges, implants are permanent and offer superior stability for tooth replacements.
Transform your smile with Mercer Island Dental NOW. Our most senior dentists, Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam, are highly caring and experienced and will help you determine if you're a good candidate.
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How long do dental implants last? Essential Care Tips
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles around your implants and surrounding teeth or using a water flosser such as a water pick.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and keep your gums healthy.
2. Regular Dental Checkups
- Visit your dentist at least every 6 months for checkups and professional cleanings.
- Regular monitoring will help detect any issues early, ensuring your implants stay in optimal condition.
3. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
- Avoid hard foods like ice, nuts, or candy that could damage your implant or surrounding teeth.
- Avoid sticky foods that can trap around your implant and cause plaque buildup and gum irritation.
4. Quit Smoking
- Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure because of reduced blood flow to the gums and slower healing.
- If you smoke, consider quitting to improve the longevity of your implants and overall oral health.
5. Protect Your Implants From Grinding or Clenching
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, talk to your dentist. A night guard can help protect your implants and natural teeth from damage.
6. Eat a Balanced Diet
- A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals promotes healthy gums and bones, which are crucial for implant stability. Having uncontrolled diabetes can compromise dental implant longevity.
- Calcium and vitamin D are particularly important for bone health and can help support your implant structure.
7. Be Gentle With Your Implants
- Do not use your implants for tasks like opening bottles or chewing pens. These actions can put extra pressure on the implants.
Contact Us NOW!
Ready to smile and feel like yourself again? Call Mercer Island Dental! Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam are highly professional and empathetic about people's health.
They will evaluate your needs and explain how dental implants can change your life. Book Your FREE Consultation NOW and Say Goodbye to the Gaps in Your Smile!

Call us NOW at 206-232-3600. Your dental health is our priority. Take the first step toward a better smile today! Contact Mercer Island Dental to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam.