Asking how long an implant lasts is really asking two questions: how long the post in the bone survives, and how long the tooth attached to it holds up. For the post, long-term studies are encouraging, with around 96% of implants still in place after ten years. The crown on top takes the daily wear and is the part more likely to need attention along the way.
What long-term studies show
A 2019 systematic review by Howe and colleagues in the Journal of Dentistry pooled 18 studies of modern implants and estimated ten-year survival at 96.4% per implant. When the authors reanalysed the data more conservatively, the estimate was 93.2%, and survival was lower in people aged 65 and over (91.5% in that analysis).
Looking further out, a 2015 review by Moraschini and colleagues in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery included 23 studies with an average follow-up of 13.4 years and more than 7,700 implants. Mean survival across those studies was 94.6%.
Two points help in reading these numbers. Survival means the implant is still in the mouth, not that it has been trouble-free. And figures are usually counted per implant, so a person with several implants has a higher chance that at least one of them will have a problem at some point.
The post and the crown age differently
An implant has two main parts. The post, made of titanium or a titanium alloy, sits in the jawbone and bonds to it. The crown, bridge or denture attached on top does the chewing and is what people see.
Once the post has integrated, it can last for many years. The crown is exposed to bite forces, wear and the occasional knock, so chips, a loosened screw or a crown that comes away are among the more common maintenance issues. A 2012 review by Jung and colleagues in Clinical Oral Implants Research found that 95.2% of implants supporting single crowns were still in place at ten years, compared with 89.4% of the crowns themselves. Screw loosening, crowns coming loose and chipping of the porcelain were the most common technical problems reported. Replacing a worn crown on a healthy implant is a routine repair rather than a failure.
Inflammation around the implant is the problem to watch
One of the main long-term threats to an implant is peri-implantitis, an infection and inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant. It begins much like gum disease around a natural tooth: plaque collects at the gum line, the gum becomes inflamed, and if this is not controlled the supporting bone slowly breaks down.
It is not rare. A 2015 systematic review by Derks and Tomasi in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology estimated that about 43% of people with implants had peri-implant mucositis, the early and reversible gum-only stage, and about 22% had peri-implantitis, with considerable variation between studies depending on how the condition was defined. Catching inflammation at the mucositis stage is the reason regular reviews matter. Our article on signs an implant may be failing describes what to look out for.
Habits that change the odds
Smoking
Smoking is one of the clearest risk factors. A 2015 meta-analysis by Chrcanovic and colleagues in the Journal of Dentistry, covering more than 80,000 implants, found failure rates of 6.35% in smokers compared with 3.18% in non-smokers, along with more infections and more bone loss around the implant. The authors noted that other factors may have contributed, but the direction was consistent.
Blood sugar
Well-managed diabetes does not rule out implants. Poorly controlled blood sugar slows healing and raises the risk of infection, so it helps to work with your GP on steady levels before and after treatment.
Cleaning around the implant
An implant cannot decay, but the gum around it needs the same daily care as a natural tooth, often with interdental brushes or floss suited to implants. Gums that bleed around an implant are an early warning sign, much as they are around natural teeth, which our article on bleeding gums when brushing explains.
Grinding and clenching
Heavy grinding puts extra load on the crown and the screw that holds it. If you grind, a night guard can help protect both the implant and your natural teeth.
What looking after an implant involves
Maintenance is straightforward: clean around the implant every day, keep up regular check-ups and professional cleans with your dentist or OHT, and protect it from grinding if that applies. At a review, the gum around the implant is checked, the bite is assessed, and an X-ray is taken from time to time to confirm the bone level is stable. Our implant aftercare guide covers the day-to-day routine.
Comparing implants with bridges and dentures
Lifespan is one reason people choose an implant over a bridge or denture, but it is not the only one. A bridge relies on the neighbouring teeth, and dentures usually need relines and remakes as the gums and bone change. Our guide comparing implants, bridges and dentures sets out the trade-offs, including the longer-term costs.
As a general market guide, a single implant with its crown typically costs about $4,000 to $7,000 in Australia, depending on whether grafting is needed and the type of crown. These are typical market ranges, not Lumi fees. Our implant cost guide explains what affects the price.
Common questions
Will my implant last for the rest of my life?
Many do, particularly when they are cleaned well and reviewed regularly. No one can promise a lifespan for a particular implant, and the crown on top may need replacing at some point even if the post stays healthy.
Can an implant that fails be replaced?
Often, yes. The site is allowed to heal and is then reassessed, sometimes with a bone graft before a new implant is placed.
Do full-arch implant bridges last as long as single implants?
The implants themselves tend to do well, but a full-arch bridge has more parts that can wear or chip, and cleaning underneath it takes extra effort. Regular maintenance visits are especially important.
If you are considering an implant, you can read about dental implants at Lumi Dental or, if you are replacing a whole arch, about full-arch implants at Lumi. A free implant consult includes an assessment of your bone and gums, and current offers are on our current deals page.
