Implantation is one of the most in-demand methods of tooth restoration. Patients often wonder how long the installed implants will last and whether they will ever need to be replaced. The dental clinic AESTHETE provides implantation services. In this article, we will discuss what determines the lifespan of implants, their duration of use, and the circumstances under which they might need replacement.
How long do implants last on average?
During implantation, doctors use metal posts that are implanted into the jawbone – implants. They function as artificial tooth roots. Titanium and its alloys are used for their manufacture. These are lightweight, strong materials with high biocompatibility. Manufacturers provide warranties for their implants. On average, the warranty is as follows:
- for economy-class posts – up to 10 years;
- for mid-range artificial roots – up to 20 years;
- for premium-class implants – up to 25-30 years, in some cases a lifetime warranty is provided.
This means that if a problem arises with the implant within the warranty period, the manufacturer will replace it for free. However, the issue must not be due to errors made by the doctor during installation. The manufacturer's warranty for implants does not cover the crowns installed on the metal posts. Their lifespan depends on the material they are made from and how well the patient cares for their oral cavity. But it is usually shorter than the duration of use of the implants. Provided they are properly installed and maintained, the lifespan of titanium posts can be significantly longer than the warranty period. This applies even to models in the economy segment.
What affects the lifespan of implants?
The duration of use of artificial roots depends on several factors.
Manufacturer
Usually, the company that develops and manufactures implants operates within a certain price segment – economy, mid-range, premium. The price category has a noticeable impact on the lifespan. Therefore, one can follow the principle of "the more expensive, the better," although posts for implantation are chosen based on the clinical picture as well. The quality of an implant depends on the material it is made from and how thoroughly its surface is processed. In the budget segment, the processing is less thorough, so the artificial root will serve the patient for a shorter period. Conversely, the thorough surface treatment characteristic of premium-class products ensures a longer service life.
Quality of installation
Another factor is the qualification of the surgeon and other doctors responsible for the implantation. Problems can arise at any stage. During diagnosis, it is important to:
- correctly assess the condition of the oral cavity;
- identify possible contraindications;
- determine if the volume of jawbone is sufficient;
- perform a CT scan to get as much information as possible about the patient's dental system.
Proper preparation is also crucial. The oral cavity must be sanitized: treat tooth and gum diseases, perform a professional cleaning to remove soft plaque and hard deposits. Bone grafting surgery may be necessary to build up the missing volume of the jawbone. During the installation, the surgeon must strictly follow the pre-developed template and protocol. This ensures the implants are placed correctly without damaging the floor of the maxillary sinus during upper jaw implantation.
Hygiene maintenance rules
Regular and proper oral care is very important, especially immediately after the posts are implanted. At this time, plaque, which serves as a nutrient medium for bacteria, can cause the gums around the implant to become inflamed. This can lead to problems with the bone tissue and the rejection of the artificial root. Immediately after the surgery, it is necessary to:
- avoid hard foods;
- not consume hot or cold dishes, spicy, salty, or acidic foods;
- use a soft-bristled toothbrush;
- use antiseptic mouth rinses;
- take the medications prescribed by the dentist.
The doctor will inform you when you can return to your usual lifestyle. Such recommendations are generally crucial for 1-2 months after implantation, but the osseointegration process can take up to six months, so there is no need to rush.
Why might an implant not integrate?
Integration usually takes several months. Specific timing depends on whether the implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw, the price category of the metal posts, and the individual characteristics of the patient. Problems with osseointegration can be caused by medical errors during the diagnostic stage or during installation. Therefore, it is important that professionals perform the work, equipped with the necessary equipment. The surgeon must strictly follow the protocol. Examples of medical errors include:
- insufficient preparation of the oral cavity for surgery, untreated caries, which can provoke inflammation during the postoperative period;
- incorrect determination of the place for post implantation, inaccurate calculation of the angle at which it should be installed – due to this, the implant will not hold in the bone;
- exceeding the torque during fixation – due to the compression of nearby tissues, edema occurs, provoking inflammation.
Not following the doctor's recommendations can also cause problems. During the osseointegration period, it is essential to:
- pay more attention to oral hygiene to avoid inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implanted post;
- refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol – under the influence of nicotine and alcohol, tissue regeneration processes slow down;
- limit physical activity, avoid saunas and baths to prevent blood pressure spikes;
- take antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-edema medications prescribed by the doctor, and monitor their dosage.
What can lead to rejection?
Although implants are loaded with crowns 4-6 months after their installation, and in some cases even earlier, the full process of osseointegration can take 1.5-2 years. At this stage, in the vast majority of cases, problems with integration occur due to the patient not following the doctor's recommendations:
- neglecting hygiene standards: not brushing teeth or doing so ineffectively, not treating caries;
- injuring the gums due to bad habits, such as chewing on nuts, pens, or pencils.
Additionally, reasons for rejection can include severe trauma – a strong blow to the jaw area, vascular diseases, or oncological diseases.
Why do premium-class implants have a higher success rate?
Statistics show that 95-96% of artificial roots integrate successfully. However, for premium-class posts, this rate is higher, reaching 99-100%. What contributes to this?
- The quality of the material from which the implants are made. Usually, it is pure titanium, which is especially highly biocompatible. If the installation is done correctly, the body does not reject it.
- Thread characteristics – the bone tissue begins to compact around the post during the installation process. This ensures excellent primary stability and reduces the osseointegration time.
- Special surface treatment: a rough RBM surface increases the contact area between the post and the bone. The connection will be even tighter if anodized artificial roots or SLA-surface products are used.
Lifespan of crowns on implants
The duration of use of crowns primarily depends on the material they are made from. If properly cared for and avoiding injuries, their lifespan can be significantly higher than average.
- Metal-ceramic models last 7-10 years. Minor defects can be repaired.
- Ceramic products can serve their owner for 10-15 years.
- E-Max ceramic crowns can withstand 15 years of use or more.
- Zirconium dioxide models combine excellent aesthetic characteristics with impressive durability. Their lifespan can exceed 20 years, often lasting a lifetime.
- Metal crowns last 10-15 years. In some cases, 20 years is not the limit for them. However, they fall short in aesthetic characteristics compared to other options, so they are highly undesirable for use in the frontal zone.
Based on the above, it is normal to use artificial titanium roots for a long time without replacement while periodically replacing crowns.
How to extend the lifespan of an implant?
There are two groups of reasons why artificial roots do not integrate or their lifespan is significantly reduced. These are medical errors and non-compliance with the recommendations of the prosthodontist. Therefore, to extend the lifespan of implanted posts, it is necessary to choose a qualified doctor and follow their prescriptions.
Choosing a qualified implantologist
Seek out a clinic that makes a good impression on you.
- Inquire about its history and length of operation.
- Read patient reviews and find information about achievements, such as awards.
- Learn more about the doctor who will be working with you. Their education, experience, and certifications confirming their proficiency in implantation techniques all matter. Find examples of their work and patient opinions.
- It is advisable to review information not only on the clinic's website but also on independent platforms.
Following the doctor's recommendations
The dentist will explain how to change your lifestyle after implantation. It is necessary to follow their prescriptions, even if it means giving up habits you are used to. For example, for some time you should not:
- smoke;
- consume alcohol;
- take flights;
- visit baths or saunas;
- chew hard food;
- use an electric toothbrush – it should be replaced with a regular one for the entire osseointegration period.
You should attend preventive check-ups with the dentist and promptly report any problems.
When and why do you need to replace a dental implant?
Normally, the patient does not feel any discomfort when using artificial teeth on posts implanted into the jaw. They also do not feel the implants themselves. If this condition persists, there is no cause for concern, even if the warranty period has expired. However, the situation may change. Reasons leading to this include:
- natural wear of the implant;
- jaw injury;
- serious illness, such as cancer.
Signs of rejection:
- severe pain in the area where the post is installed;
- mobility of the artificial root;
- swelling, bleeding gums;
- fever;
- bad breath;
- pus discharge;
- mobility of the orthopedic construction, caused by the implant not holding it.
If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor. They will diagnose the issue and propose treatment. In some cases, medication therapy is effective, while in others, re-implantation is necessary: after the inflammation is resolved, a larger diameter or longer post is placed in the site of the previously implanted post. Do not delay the re-installation for too long. If there is no tooth root in the jawbone, the process of atrophy begins soon. Therefore, for the successful integration of the new post, osteoplasty – building up the required volume of bone tissue – will be needed.
The dental clinic is located in Dubai (UAE), Bluewaters Island. We invite everyone who needs implantation. The extensive practical experience and high qualifications of our dentists, the use of premium-class implants created by renowned companies from Switzerland and other countries, enable us to ensure excellent results. The artificial roots installed by our doctors serve for a long time without needing replacement. If you have questions about the services, their prices, or scheduling an appointment, the clinic administrators will answer them. They will help you choose a time for your visit to the dentist and book a consultation.
