Dental implants are among the most frequently used and popular tooth-replacement options in dental practice.
They are long-term and natural-looking alternatives to dentures and bridges. The main reason dentists recommend them is their high success rate.
Studies show that dental implants have a success rate of 90–97% over 10 years. This, therefore, makes them a reliable option for people dealing with tooth loss.
Although the success rate for dental implants is generally high, several factors should be considered. Everything from a person’s oral hygiene to the skill of the dental professional performing the procedure plays a role in influencing the outcome. Other important factors include the patient’s bone condition, the presence of pre-existing medical conditions, and lifestyle choices such as smoking.
In this article, we will focus on factors contributing to the success rate of dental implants based on the latest studies and statistics. This article can prove valuable if you are planning to have a dental implant.
A Brief Overview of Dental Implants Success Rate
The success rate of dental implants refers to the number of implants that don’t involve pain, infection, or problems associated with their functioning. You also need to understand that we divide the success rate into two parameters: early and long-term.
Early Success Rate
Early success rate refers to the absence of any complications within the first few weeks of the dental procedure. Despite the variations in clinical data, most research shows that the overall level remains on an upward scale when the procedure is performed under ideal conditions.
A 2021 study published in the BMC Oral Health journal shows that dental implants’ early success rate is 96.15%.
Long-term Success Rate
The long-term success rate refers to the total number of dental implant procedures that continue to work for a particular amount of time. Most research uses a ten-year time frame to assess the long-term success rate.
According to a study published in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, the 10-year success rate of dental implants is 97%. More interestingly, research also indicates that around 75% of the implants don’t show any complications even after 20 years.
Long-term results are highly influenced by bone quality, the location of the implant, and pre-existing health conditions. However, we will discuss these factors in more detail in the next sections. Read ahead.
Submerged vs Non-Submerged Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants: submerged and non-submerged. In a submerged implant, the implant is placed underneath the gum and left to heal, with the crown placed in a second visit. For the non-submerged type, the crown is attached immediately after the placement of the implant.
According to research, submerged implants had a low early survival rate of 94.28% compared to non-submerged implants, which exhibited a success rate of 97.40%. The major contributing factor to the disparity between the two groups is the healing of the gum and bone around an implant.
Immediate Vs Delayed Dental Implant Placements
In an immediate dental implant procedure, the implants are placed immediately after extracting the natural teeth. This procedure offers greater time efficiency as both steps are performed within a single day. Yet, possible drawbacks include a relatively increased possibility of failure because of issues with bone stability.
The success rate of delayed implants is slightly higher than the former one. In delayed procedures, implants are placed when the bone is permanently healed after tooth extraction. The procedure provides greater stability.
In a nutshell, immediate implant placement is associated with a comparatively lower success rate than delayed implant placement.
Factors Influencing the Success Rate of Dental Implants
Several factors affect the success rate of dental implants. Some of which are within a person’s control and others that depend on their health and the proficiency of a dental expert. Let’s break down the most critical factors.
1. Oral Hygiene and Maintenance
Good oral hygiene is a significant requirement for any dental implant to be successful. You would be asked to watch over your routine of brushing and flossing after getting the implant procedure. Failure to observe good oral hygiene sometimes leads to infections that undermine the stability of the implant.
2. Bone Health and Density
The overall quality of a person’s jawbone has the greatest impact on the success of an implant. A healthy, strong jawbone helps to ensure the solid bonding of the implant.
For people who have suffered from bone loss (jaw osteoporosis) or who simply do not possess a dense enough bone structure, additional procedures, such as grafting, may be necessary prior to the placement of the implant.
Research has shown that patients who receive some form of bone augmentation before receiving their implant have a low success rate of around 93.85% in the early stages, as compared to a 97.05% success rate in people who have sufficient bone mass.
3. Smoking and Lifestyle Habits
Lifestyle habits, most important being smoking, determine the success rate of dental implants. Smokers risk failing the implants more than nonsmokers because smoking affects the healing process and causes infections.
It’s also a fact that smoking speeds up gum diseases that compromise the integrity of the implant.
4. Type and Material of Dental Implant
The type of implant also matters. There are two types: submerged and non-submerged. In the 2021 study, submerged implants had a comparatively lower early survival rate (94.28%) than submerged ones (97.40%).
Another factor has been the concern over immediate implant placement. Immediate implant placement is the procedure where an implant is placed at the time of the extraction of the natural tooth. Although convenient, immediate implant placements have a lower success rate (85.26%) compared to delayed placements (96.68%).
5. Skills of the Professional
Dental surgeon experience and knowledge contribute greatly to the success of the procedure. Dental practitioners with specialized training in implantology are usually more effective.
They most probably utilize the latest technologies, like 3D imaging, to plan an accurate placement of an implant. Proper placement ensures that an implant is installed in the proper location for maximum long-term success.
Risk Factors Responsible for Implant Failure
Though dental implants’ overall success rate is very high, risk factors could increase the chance of implant failure.
Health Conditions
A person with a history of diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis may be more likely to suffer from failure as these conditions interfere with the body’s healing properties. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may put patients at a higher risk because of their compromised immune response.
Role of Gum Disease and Infection in Implant Loss
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, causes inflammation in the gums and can gradually cause the deterioration of the bone that supports the dental implant.
Eventually, the continued progression of the disease will ultimately lead to implant failure. Therefore, a person must have healthy gums before having the procedure to avoid the increased risk of failure.
This also highlights the necessity of maintaining proper oral hygiene and avoiding risk factors such as smoking, which tends to exacerbate gum disease and makes it hard for implants to remain intact.
Effect of Age and Bone Quality
Another key determinant of dental implant success rate is the age of the person. Older adults usually have weaker jaw bones and diminished healing strength, which increases the likelihood of implant failure. In comparison, young adults, with their more robust bones, generally possess a more comprehensive integration of the implant.
Bone quality is an important determinant of the success of dental implants. If a person’s jawbone is too thin or weak, the implant may not anchor properly, leading to a higher chance of implant failure. In such cases, bone augmentation is recommended before inserting the implant.
Effect of Location of Implant
Implants inserted into the molar region have a higher success rate than those into the front region of the mouth. A 2021 study published in BMC Oral Health journal revealed a 93.33% success rate for front teeth compared to premolars (95.28%) and molars (97.67%). This may be attributed to varying bone density and stress distribution in various portions of the mouth.
Ways to Enhance the Dental Implants Success Rate
Although the overall success rate of dental implants is relatively high, you and your dental professional can employ several strategies to further augment the chances of success. For maximum benefits from dental implants, pre-surgical preparation, postoperative care, and long-term maintenance are essential.
Pre-Surgical Planning and Evaluation
Effective pre-surgical planning is the most important step toward achieving a high success rate with dental implants. Before the procedure, patients need a comprehensive evaluation of their general oral health as well as their jawbone quality.
Advanced imaging can then be employed using a 3D CT scan, which will give an ample indication of the jawbone structure. With such a clear indication, the dental surgeon has a good chance of deciding on an optimal site to place the implant and is aware of some of the potential site-specific challenges that may prevail, such as low bone density or the necessity of grafting.
A well-conceived process reduces complications and maximizes optimal placement of the implant for long-term stability. In fact, research has revealed that patients who are properly planned for the surgery have a significantly greater chance of implant success.
Care and Maintenance in the Post-Operative Stage
The healing period right after the procedure is considered the most critical point in terms of an implant’s possible failure or success. Too much pressure or poor care may lead to implant failure.
How to Achieve Long-Term Success of the Implant?
The only surefire way to long-term success is to maintain a healthy mouth. Regular check-ups by the dentist allow easy monitoring of the implant to recognize early signs of infection and/or bone loss.
Simple lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, can enhance the success of dental implants.
Moreover, if the person grinds or clamps down on his teeth at night, wearing a night guard will protect that implant. Long-term success is possible if you are keen enough to carry an oral care regime while strictly adhering to professional recommendations.
FAQs
How successful are dental implants?
The success rate of dental implants varies between 90-97% at 10 years, considering the person’s health, the quality of bone, and the ability of the dental surgeon.
What are some reasons why an implant might fail?
Common causes of implant failure include infection, poor oral hygiene, too much stress that is placed on the implant itself, and underlying diseases such as diabetes. Tobacco users also face an increased risk of implant failure.
How long does a dental implant last?
A dental implant can last a lifetime if properly maintained. After 10 to 15 years, however, the crown attached to it would probably have to be replaced because of general use.
Do dental implants work better than dentures?
Dental implants are generally regarded as being superior to dentures. They offer a much more permanent and natural outcome. Implants also play a role in preventing the common resorption of bone associated with the denture.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
The success of dental implants strictly depends on age, as older adults suffer from bone density issues and a reduced ability to heal. However, with proper care and planning, even the elderly can achieve desirable outcomes.
The Bottom Line
One of the major solutions provided for tooth loss is dental implants, which show a maximum success rate of 90-97% over 10 years.
Proper planning before surgery and detailed assessments of bone density and other health problems are cardinal determinants of success. For long-term success, attend follow-up visits and act on the dentist’s advice about oral hygiene and post-operative care.
Finally, ending risky behavior such as smoking while getting any health condition treated also has a good chance of success with an implant.
By knowing these basics and cooperating with dental professionals, you will have the best opportunity for successful and durable results.
