How long does a dental implant last?

How long does a dental implant last? To determine how long a dental implant lasts, we must take into account a series of factors related both to the dentist performing the procedure and to the patient.

The dentist can influence the success rate through:

• Choosing the appropriate location for implant placement;
• Ensuring the distance between implants allows for adequate blood flow to the bone;
• Selecting an implant design that matches the correct length and width;
• Respecting the loading time — approximately 4 months for the mandible and 6 months for the maxilla.

The patient can influence the success rate and durability of a dental implant as follows:

• The patient must be clinically fit, without conditions such as diabetes mellitus;
• They should have good bone quality and sufficient bone volume;
• They should not be undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy at the time of implant placement;
• It is recommended to avoid harmful habits (such as bruxism and smoking), as these negatively affect the long-term stability of the implant;
• If oral hygiene is poor, dental implants are not recommended, as the patient may be prone to infectious complications;
• The patient’s age is not a contraindication, but the changes in bone structure that occur with aging must be considered during implantation.

So, how long does a dental implant last? The durability of a dental implant can be summarized as follows:

• Under ideal conditions, an implant can last 10–20 years;
• The success rate of dental implants is 96%;
• Dental implants are significantly more durable than other dental procedures.

To potentially extend the average lifespan of a dental implant, we offer the following recommendations:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene and stay informed about proper dental care practices;
• Carefully choose a qualified and experienced dentist for the procedure;
• Attend regular dental check-ups with a specialist.