A new study from the University of Gothenburg has confirmed that dental implants used to replace single missing teeth can remain functional for nearly 40 years.
Researchers found that all implants examined in the study were still in place and working effectively, highlighting the long-term success of this dental treatment.
The World’s Longest Follow-Up Study on Dental Implants
This study is the longest of its kind, tracking patients who received single-tooth implants between 1982 and 1985.
The implants were developed based on research by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who discovered that titanium can integrate with bone—a breakthrough that has helped millions of people restore lost teeth with strong, permanent replacements.
The study, published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, followed 16 original patients. Thirteen of them participated in the recent evaluation at the Brånemark Clinic, Public Dental Service Västra Götaland.
These 13 patients had a total of 18 implants, all of which remained stable after nearly four decades.
Long-Term Stability and Success
According to prosthodontist and senior lecturer Sargon Barkarmo, the results are remarkable. Despite the small sample size, the findings confirm that well-placed implants can last for decades with minimal bone loss around them.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone to provide stability. A crown (the visible tooth replacement) is then attached to the implant to restore function and appearance.
Interestingly, while the implants themselves remained intact, the crowns had a shorter lifespan. At the 40-year follow-up, only about 60% of the original crowns were still in place. However, most crown replacements were done for aesthetic reasons rather than technical failures.
The Future of Implant Dentistry
Prosthodontist and co-author of the study, Jan Kowar, noted that the durability of implants is well-established, but advancements in crown materials could further improve long-term outcomes.
The researchers also pointed out a challenge in modern dentistry: older implant systems with proven long-term success are often discontinued in favor of newer systems. While new technology can bring improvements, long-term follow-ups are needed to ensure that today’s faster treatment and healing methods provide equally reliable results.
The study confirms that dental implants, when placed with careful planning and given enough time to heal, have excellent long-term potential. These findings provide reassurance to patients and dentists alike that single-tooth implants can be a reliable, lifelong solution for missing teeth.
The research findings can be found in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research.
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