Dental implantation is прежде всего an investment in health. Anyone who has considered this option for restoring the functionality of the dental arch is interested in how long the structure will last and which dental implant is best. So what influences the lifespan, how long can it be, and can it be extended? That is exactly what we will discuss today.
First of all, it is important to distinguish between the service life of two components — the crown and the titanium post itself. The crown, which is the visible part, lasts on average 10–15 years, as it is subject to wear. The post, or implant, placed in the bone, under proper conditions, can last for decades under favorable clinical conditions.
Average Lifespan of Implants
Global clinical studies indicate that in most cases more than 90 percent of artificial roots successfully function for more than 20–25 years. Premium-class implantation systems are most often provided with a lifetime warranty. However, in addition to the quality of the metal itself, the lifespan is influenced by such a factor as the biological response of the body. Often, after successful integration, during the first six months the risk of root loss over the next 10–15 years remains minimal, provided that there are no injuries and no systemic diseases develop.
What Determines the Durability of an Implant
For dentistry, titanium must have a high degree of purity (Grade 4 or 5). In addition to the quality of the titanium itself, the porosity of its surface is important, due to which bone tissue forms on the surface of the implant and a strong connection with the bone is achieved. Another key to success is proper planning by the implantologist: if the load is calculated correctly and the volume of bone tissue in the area of root placement is sufficient, the risk that the implant will fail to integrate due to overload will be minimal.
As for the prosthetic component, it is important that the prosthesis does not create a “lever effect” due to improper design. Chewing load should be distributed evenly; otherwise, the bone around the artificial root will gradually begin to resorb.
The implant itself is not susceptible to caries, but its enemy is the inflammatory process of the surrounding tissues. Oral hygiene, regular professional dental check-ups, and cleanings should become an integral part of life.
Briefly About Implant Systems
The choice of the system depends on the clinical situation and the budget. Popular brands include:
- Neodent (Brazil/Switzerland) — a subsidiary brand of Straumann, a world leader known for an excellent price-to-reliability ratio. A suitable option for immediate loading.
- Prama (Italy) — titanium roots popular due to the presence of a convergent neck in the implant, which accelerates soft tissue healing and creates a natural gingival contour.
- Megagen (South Korea) — a system with innovative technologies that make it possible to achieve a high degree of fixation even in soft bone.
- ICX (Germany) — classic quality with high precision of the connection between the abutment and the implant, which reduces the risk of inflammation and micromovements of the system.
Which implant to choose and by which method to place it will be advised by the physician after thorough diagnostics and examination. The cost of dental implantation will depend, among other things, on the selected brand.
Why an Implant May Last a Shorter Time
A reduction in the lifespan of an implant may be caused by a number of factors, including:
- The development of systemic diseases such as decompensated diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis.
- Smoking, which impairs blood supply, slows regeneration, and increases the risk of inflammation.
- Bruxism, which creates critical load on the system.
- Trauma to the jaw or face.
If the issue is approached seriously, an implant can last for decades and even for a lifetime with proper care. Taking into account all contraindications to dental implantation, choosing the appropriate system, and advising on care can only be done by an experienced physician. However, it should be remembered that while an implantologist can provide a warranty for the system itself, the actual lifespan will depend, among other things, on oral hygiene.
