Are dental implants safe in the long term?
Dental implants are titanium screws surgically embedded into the bone to replace a lost tooth. After a bone healing period (osseointegration) of several months, during which titanium fuses with the bone, a crown can be cemented onto the implant.
Dental implants have been in use for 40 years and are completely safe. It is precisely because of this safety that there is a high success rate. The human body recognizes anything it considers a threat and initiates an inflammatory process that allows it to defend itself and eliminate the threat.
Once dental implants have healed from the initial surgery, there is no longer an inflammatory process around them, indicating a successful installation. After the initial phase of the operation, the success rate depends on many factors, but when properly performed, the longevity of the implant as well as that of a permanent tooth can be expected.
Premature loss of an implant is caused by systemic disease or a localized problem such as malocclusion. Proper surgical installation and maintenance (hygiene, regular check-ups) ensure the safety and durability of the implant. They are a long-term solution that improves the quality of life for patients. Implants are expected to last 15-20 years. Regular visits to the dentist and assessment of the bone around the implant will prevent major problems. Prevention is key to long-term success.
What is the failure rate of dental implant placement?
The failure rate is extremely low. There are two phases in which a mistake can lead to the loss of an implant: the surgical and prosthetic phases. During the surgical phase, the success rate is 99%. In the later phase, the failure rate depends on patient care and whether bite forces are properly distributed (quality of prosthetic work). After 15 years, success is higher than with any other prosthetic procedure.
The healing process of dental implants
Implants can be completed in one day and usually involve placing a temporary prosthesis until healing is finished. Sometimes, the patient does not have enough bone, so in these cases, we must wait 3-4 months before loading the implants. In most cases, tooth extraction and implant placement are done on the same day. Recovery after surgery for individual implants is 1-2 days, and for larger cases (4 or 6 implants) 5-7 days.
Warranty
Lifetime warranty on all implants and superstructures against breakage.
Five years warranty on all metal-ceramic and zircon-ceramic crowns.
Five years warranty on all wironit dentures.
For any additional information, follow the blogs of the MB Dent clinic. If you would like more information from Dr. Matko Božić and his team, write to us at info@mbdent.com, WhatsApp 095 3634 337, or call us on the phone number 01 35 35 435 or mobile 095 3634 337.
