Isn’t an Implant Supposed to Last a Lifetime? (Implant Lifespan)

Implant period

Implant lifetime

How to extend implant lifespan

Because natural teeth are understood to decay and wear down,

titanium implants

have no reason to decay from cavities

and no reason to wear away,

so it may seem reasonable to think they can be used for a lifetime.

However, according to long-term clinical data and follow-up studies,

despite the expectation of a lifetime implant,

implant lifespan is estimated at 15 to 25 years.

When an implant’s lifespan is considered over,

it means the titanium implant,

that is, the artificial root fixture, has become unusable.

Then, for patients over 50, who account for a high share of implant surgery,

what are the ways to extend implant lifespan?

How to extend implant lifespan

• Oral hygiene management

Implant lifetime use

One of the factors that makes the artificial root fixture unusable

is the jawbone.

Loss and recession of the jawbone

are among the natural signs of aging,

but if oral hygiene management is insufficient,

they accelerate,

so food debris in the mouth should be thoroughly removed using

a toothbrush, dental floss, mouthwash, and similar tools.

If not,

just like natural teeth, the jawbone that supports the implant

may be lost and recede,

which can cause the implant to fall out.

It also increases the incidence of peri-implantitis.

Titanium implants do not develop inflammation within the implant itself like natural teeth;

instead, inflammation occurs around them, which is why it is called peri-implantitis.

This also develops due to poor oral hygiene and leads to jawbone loss,

so prevention is recommended.

How to extend implant lifespan

• Regular checkups

Implant lifetime use

Another factor that makes the artificial root fixture unusable

is the condition of the fixture.

Depending on the patient’s condition and anatomy,

the length, direction, and position of the fixture may not be properly matched,

which can place excessive pressure on the fixture.

Also, because the fixture is connected to the abutment through a screw,

the screw may loosen unintentionally during chewing,

and due to compatibility issues between the fixture and the abutment,

problems such as blood collecting inside the fixture and clotting can occur.

When such problems arise,

natural teeth send warning signals through pain,

but titanium implants do not send any warning signals,

so they must be checked regularly through routine examinations.

How to extend implant lifespan

• Careful selection

Implant lifetime use

The final factor that makes the artificial root fixture unusable

is choosing the wrong product.

There are many implant companies,

and each company produces products with different characteristics.

Even within a single company,

each product has different features,

so it is necessary to select the implant product that is most suitable for the patient’s missing tooth,

considering what results the design produces,

whether pressure distribution is needed,

and what effect the surface treatment method has on osseointegration.

Depending on why the patient currently needs an implant,

where it is needed,

what capabilities are needed,

and what condition is possible,

the choice may differ among Astra for alveolar bone retention,

Dentis for patented technology,

Osstem for initial stability and fusion,

Dentium for excellent initial stability,

or Warantec for prevention of vertical fracture.

How to extend implant lifespan

• Choosing the medical staff and clinic

Implant lifetime use

The most important factor in determining implant lifespan

is the choice of medical staff and clinic.

Loss and recession of the jawbone,

and wrong product selection,

lead to implant failure.

As mentioned earlier,

the fixture length, direction, and position may not be properly matched to the patient’s condition and anatomy,

which can place excessive pressure on the fixture.

This is entirely a matter of the medical team’s skill.

Whether it is oral hygiene management,

regular checkups,

or selecting a good implant product to extend implant lifespan,

all of it requires the medical team’s skilled and high-level expertise.

Before oral hygiene management can help prevent jawbone loss and recession,

the medical team’s jawbone regeneration technique must come first.

Before avoiding wrong product selection,

the medical team must create a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s current condition.

And before undergoing a health checkup to confirm the condition of the fixture,

the medical team must perform precise placement in the correct direction and position.

How to extend implant lifespan

• Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic

Located near Gangnam Station,

Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic offers evening care, parking, and a straight-walk route from the station.

It has proprietary technology that maximizes alveolar bone and gingival regeneration

by supplementing bone graft materials and natural collagen membranes

through a university hospital-style bone grafting procedure.

By recommending customized products based on the patient’s condition,

it increases implant success rates.

With implant placement position, number, and direction that strive for zero error,

and skilled techniques,

it has shown many successful full-mouth implant cases.

Extending implant lifetime

means a new smile

a new beginning

with Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic.