How long does a dental implant last?
A very common and relevant question from our patients concerns the durability of dental implants. *”Do they last forever?”*
The answer is not simple. Studies on the survival of dental implants show a high rate of longevity, and they can indeed last a long time (possibly forever), but this prediction depends on a few factors:
- Host factors: Why was the tooth lost? Is there a history of periodontal disease? Smoking habits? Quantity and quality of bone, among many other factors…
This point helps us determine the cause of tooth loss and check if there are any risk factors for implant failure.
- Dental implant: There are many brands of dental implants today, and they vary greatly in characteristics. Some well-studied brands have been on the market for long periods, while others lack this type of long-term study. This does not mean that they are better or worse, but rather that they need more evidence.
- Post-operative care: It is essential to avoid/reduce complications and ensure short- and medium-term stability.
- Oral hygiene: This is very important, not only in the first few days after surgery but especially in the long term. Oral health should be maintained with basic oral hygiene care, as poor practice or lack of hygiene measures is associated with a higher rate of biological complications in dental implants, which inevitably increases their failure rate in the long term.
- Periodic check-ups: These are essential, as any issues that may compromise the long-term survival of the implants can be identified as early as possible.
