Success of Dental Implants

We all recognize dental implants can be a costly procedure. However, over the long term, properly completed dental implant therapy proves to be the most cost-effective solution to replace missing teeth. No longer do individual teeth need to be prepared or ground down to accept crowns to enable the insertion of a fixed bridge to replace missing teeth. Over the short term, a fixed bridge will be slightly less expensive. However, decay or root canal problems can compromise the teeth used to secure the bridge, often requiring significant and expensive treatment or more involved dental implant therapy to resolve the problem.

The modern era of dental implants had its beginning in Gothenberg, Sweden by Prof. Per-Ingmor Branemark. His investigations demonstrated that bone can directly bond to a titanium implant post and in this manner secure non-removable implant-supported bridges. Among his earliest patients was Mr. Gosta Larsson, who received implants in 1965. The implants remained functional until the time of his death in 2006. For 40 years, Mr. Larsson's dental implants provided comfort and function previously not attainable.

More recent studies indicate a success rate of dental implants of between 90 to 97 percent over a 15-year time period. In a majority of cases, it is not the implant that fails, rather damage to the artificial teeth being supported by the implants.
Individual patient factors likewise can affect the long-term success of dental implants. At greater risk for failure are smokers, uncontrolled diabetics, as well as patients who have immune deficiencies. Patients who exhibit excessive grinding, termed "bruxism" likewise are more likely to damage the teeth that the implants support, or experience loss of implants.

What can you do to avoid dental implant complications and protect your long-term investigation? One, you should continue to practice good oral hygiene. Implants, like natural teeth, require good oral hygiene to prevent irritation to the gum, as well as the implant-supporting bone. Two, see your dentist regularly to both clean around your implants and evaluate the health of the supporting bone using appropriate radiographs. Three, avoid damaging habits such as excessive grinding. If needed, have your dentist construct an occlusal bite protection guard to decrease the harmful effects of tooth grinding. Four, modify your smoking habit. Cigarette smoking is among the biggest risk factors.

Most importantly, choose your implant surgeon carefully. A recent study in the Journal of Oral Implantology indicated dentists with less experience in implant placement had twice the failure rate as experienced implant surgeons. Periodontists study three years past dental school to develop necessary surgical skills required to perform complex implant surgical procedures, including bone grafting of the jaw, as well as the sinus area. Inquire as to the type of implant being placed for your procedure. There are over 400 implants available on the world market. Only a handful has provided scientific evidence relative to their long-term effectiveness. Premium implants may cost slightly more, however in the long run they utilize the best materials and designs to allow for long-term success.

Make your investment in dental implant therapy pay off in the long term. Choose your implant surgeon carefully. Use the best materials and methods to achieve the results you deserve to assure both long-term success and satisfaction. Warren Buffett has often said,"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." The same principles that apply to his successful investment strategies will also pay off in your decisions regarding dental implant treatment.


Paul L Glick DDS,MS

Providing Dental Implants in Denver for over 25 Years