Quick answer: how long does a dental implant last?
20+ years. With proper care, premium materials and regular check-ups, 25–30 years is very realistic. The longest documented implant has been working for over 40 years (an implant placed in 1965 is still functioning).
An important distinction: implant vs prosthetics
Much of the confusion comes from people talking about the implant when they mean the whole system. In reality these are two separate parts:
| Part | Description | Lifespan | |-----|------|----------| | Implant (screw) | Titanium implant in the bone | decades — sometimes for life | | Abutment | Connecting element | 15–20 years | | Crown | The visible artificial tooth | 10–20 years | | All-on-4 bridge | Fixed bridge | 15–20 years |
In concrete terms: the implant (the screw in the bone) is a permanent solution, while the crown is a wearing part that may need to be replaced after 15–20 years.
Statistical success of dental implants
- Osseointegration (first 3–6 months): success 95–98 %
- After 5 years: 95–97 % of implants still function
- After 10 years: 90–95 % of implants still function
- After 20 years: 85–90 % of implants still function
- After 30 years: 75–85 % of implants still function
These figures apply to premium implants and an experienced implantologist. With cheap implants the statistics are considerably worse — up to 30 % failure in the first 10 years.
1. Implant quality
The most important factor. Premium manufacturers have a modern surface treatment of the titanium implant (micro-nano porosity), better osseointegration, documented long-term statistics and better materials for the abutment and connections.
2. The implantologist's experience
Statistically: an implantologist with 1,000+ procedures has a 50–70 % lower failure risk than a beginner.
3. Oral hygiene
The most common cause of implant loss after 5+ years is peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissue around the implant, similar to periodontitis in a natural tooth).
Prevention: brushing twice a day, dental floss, professional cleaning 1–2× a year.
4. General health
Affects lifespan: uncontrolled diabetes, bisphosphonates (osteonecrosis), autoimmune diseases, oncological treatment (radiotherapy of the head/neck).
5. Smoking
Smokers have a 2–3× higher risk of implant failure. Ideally: stop before the procedure and for 6 months afterwards.
6. Bruxism (teeth grinding)
The mechanical load from nocturnal teeth grinding can mechanically damage the implant or the abutment. Solution: a night guard (splint) that protects the implant.
Statistics by implant type
| Type | Success rate | Lifespan | |-------|-----------|----------| | Single implant (one tooth) | 95–97 % | 25+ years | | Bridge on 2 implants | 92–95 % | 20+ years | | All-on-4 (4 implants) | 93–95 % | 20+ years | | All-on-6 (6 implants) | 95–97 % | 25+ years | | Subperiosteal implants | 85–90 % | 15+ years |
Warranty at Koderman
- Lifetime warranty on Sweden & Martina prosthetic components
- 5 years warranty on implant osseointegration
- 2 years warranty on the fabricated prosthetics
- Free replacement if the implant does not integrate within 6 months
Daily care
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush
- Dental floss or an interdental brush once a day
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- Avoid hard food on a new implant for the first 2 weeks
Professional care
- An annual check-up
- Professional cleaning 1–2× a year
- An immediate visit at any suspicion of inflammation
Lifestyle
- Do not smoke
- Keep diabetes under control
- A night guard for bruxism
- Watch out for injuries
What happens if an implant fails?
- In the first 6 months: free replacement
- 1–5 years (within warranty): we cover the cost of replacement
- After the warranty: the patient pays for a new implant
In 95–98 % of cases the implant integrates successfully and serves for decades. The risk is real, but small.
Frequently asked questions
Will the implant last for the rest of my life?
For a 50-year-old with good habits — very likely. For a 30-year-old — the prosthetics will probably need to be replaced once during their lifetime, but the implant will last.
How big is the difference in lifespan between a cheaper and a more expensive implant?
Huge. Premium implants have a 90–95 % success rate after 10 years. Cheaper ones may have only 70–80 %.
What happens if I have to replace the crown?
After 15–20 years this is unlikely. The old abutment stays, we make a new crown (250–390 €). Without surgery.
Does someone over 70 still get a worthwhile lifespan?
Yes. For an elderly person an implant works for 15–20 years — perfectly sufficient for their life horizon.
Can peri-implantitis be cured?
With early diagnosis YES — antibacterial cleaning + better hygiene usually solve it. With advanced bone loss it is harder.
Can I have the implant removed if I change my mind?
Technically yes, but the implant is permanent. The question is usually only about replacing the prosthetics after 15–20 years.
Author: Dr Antonio Koderman, DMD & MSc of Implantology — implantology specialist
Contact:
- +386 51 452 627
- info@koderman.eu
- Hreničeva ulica 3, 2250 Ptuj
- Mon 9–16, Tue–Fri 9–15