A pioneering study conducted by the University of Gothenburg has revealed that dental implants, used to replace single missing teeth, remain functional and effective even after nearly four decades. The research, which is the longest follow-up study on single dental implants to date, demonstrates that all the implants examined were still intact and fully operational after 40 years.
The study tracked a small group of patients who received dental implants between 1982 and 1985, based on research by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, whose discovery of bone integration with titanium laid the groundwork for the widespread use of dental implants. The findings were recently published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research.
Impressive Longevity of Implants
Out of the 16 patients who received implants during the study period, 13 participated in a follow-up evaluation at the Brånemark Clinic in Västra Götaland, Sweden. These patients had a total of 18 implants. Remarkably, all the implants remained functional, with bone loss around them virtually unchanged after four decades.
“It’s remarkable that these implants continue to perform so well after such a long period,” said Sargon Barkarmo, prosthodontist and senior lecturer at the University of Gothenburg. “Even though the study was based on a small sample, it clearly demonstrates the durability of these implants, reaffirming the foundation established by Brånemark’s research.”
The Science of Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium-made artificial tooth root, surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses and stabilizes. Once integrated, a crown is attached, restoring both functionality and appearance. However, the longevity of the crowns themselves often differs from that of the implants. By the 40-year follow-up, approximately 60% of the original crowns were still intact, with many having been replaced due to aesthetic preferences rather than technical issues.
“The main reason for crown replacement was cosmetic, not due to implant failure,” explained Jan Kowar, prosthodontist and co-author of the study. “As materials for crowns continue to evolve, future treatments could benefit from new, more durable crown options.”
The Evolution of Implant Systems
Although the implants themselves have shown remarkable longevity, older implant systems used in this study are no longer available on the market, as newer models replace older ones more rapidly despite the proven success of the original systems. The researchers emphasized that implants placed with careful planning and adequate healing time have an excellent prognosis for the long term.
Barkarmo highlighted, “Today, methods that speed up treatment and healing are common. However, these accelerated approaches also require thorough long-term evaluations to ensure they offer comparable results over time.”
In conclusion, the study underscores the lasting effectiveness of dental implants when placed with proper surgical techniques and adequate healing time, and it stresses the need for continued research and evaluation as implant technology advances.
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