A groundbreaking study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that dental implants, specifically those used to replace single teeth, continue to function effectively even after nearly four decades. All the implants examined in the study were still in place and fully operational after 40 years.
This study stands as the longest follow-up research on single dental implants, based on data from a small group of patients who received implants between 1982 and 1985. These implants were a direct result of research led by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, whose discovery of how bone integrates with titanium implants has paved the way for millions of patients worldwide to replace lost teeth with a durable solution.
Of the 16 patients initially involved in the study, 13 participated in the follow-up, which took place at the Brånemark Clinic under the Public Dental Service Västra Götaland. These 13 patients had a total of 18 implants.
“It’s impressive that the single implants have held up so well over such a long period,” commented Sargon Barkarmo, prosthodontist and senior lecturer at the University of Gothenburg. “Although the study involved a small cohort, the results highlight that the implants remain functional and the bone around them has shown virtually no loss over the course of forty years. This solidifies the lasting reliability of the foundation established by Brånemark.”
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium, surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it integrates to provide stability. A crown is then placed on top of the implant, giving both functional and aesthetic benefits.
However, while the implants themselves have proven long-lasting, the crowns attached to them have had a shorter lifespan. At the 40-year follow-up, only around 60% of the original crowns remained, with many being replaced multiple times. “The replacements were primarily for aesthetic purposes, rather than due to technical issues,” explained Jan Kowar, prosthodontist and senior lecturer at the University of Gothenburg, who co-authored the study. “As new materials for crowns develop, future treatments could see further improvements.”
The study also notes that older implant systems, which have demonstrated long-term success, are often discontinued as new systems are introduced. These newer systems, while effective, may replace older systems more quickly, despite the proven durability of the latter.
The researchers conclude that dental implants, when placed using carefully planned surgical techniques and given adequate healing time, offer excellent long-term outcomes. “Today, techniques that expedite treatment and healing are common,” Barkarmo said. “However, these newer methods also require long-term follow-ups and careful evaluation to ensure that they deliver similarly successful results.”
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