Dental Implants: Success Statistics & Info for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They help you chew and talk while looking like natural teeth. Dental implants have become an increasingly popular choice for patients and dentists alike.

In this article, we’ll discuss the success rate of dental implants, what factors influence the outcome, and how implants compare to other restoration methods.

The Success Rates of Dental Implants

Dental implants have a remarkably high success rate. They are also reliable and durable for several years. 

Here are some key statistics:

• One study reports that implants have a 95% success rate. 
• Meanwhile, a study published by NCBI shows that implants have a success rate of 90 to 95% over a decade.
• The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) also states that implants have a success rate of 95%.
• One study found that implants have a 93.6% survival rate after an average of 16 and a half years, with a cumulative survival rate of 85.9% after 24 years. 

Long-Term Reliability of Dental Implants

A long-term study on the durability of dental implants had high survival rates at the implant and patient levels after different years. The patient level includes all variables related to the patient, like health, satisfaction, operation success, etc. Meanwhile, implant level includes variables that describe a particular implant or the site/procedure around an implant:

Factors Influencing Dental Implant Success Rates

While dental implant success rates are generally high, various factors can influence their outcomes:

• Age: Older patients between 60 and 79 years may have a higher risk of implant failure compared to younger people due to the presence of other health conditions that may impede healing.

• Overall health: Medical conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, etc., are important for a successful dental implant.
• Bone health: Local bone quality and quality at the implant site can be a factor for a successful dental implant, with poor bone density and volume compromising implant integration.
• Implant size: Larger implant post diameters (>4mm) have higher success rates. Meanwhile, shorter implants exhibit higher long-term success rates than longer ones.
• Implant location: Dental implants in the front of the mouth have higher success rates than those placed in the back due to the difference in pressure and bite force experienced.

Comparison to Other Dental Restoration Methods

Dental implants are a permanent and often reliable method for dental restoration. Their success rate is high, and they can also prevent bone loss. 

• One study highlighted that dental implants have excellent long-term survival rates, suggesting that they are a reliable method for dental rehabilitation in most clinical scenarios.
• A study conducted in general dental practices reported an 81.3% success rate for implants when excessive bone loss was included in the analysis, showing a favorable outcome compared to many other dental restoration methods.
• Dental implants don’t need the alteration of healthy teeth for support, making them a preferred choice for patients and dentists. 
• With proper care, implants can last 25 years, compared to other restoration methods that need adjustments or replacements after 5 to 10 years.

However, choosing between dental implants and other restoration methods depends on various factors and personal preferences. Talk to your dentist about different restoration methods and procedures, and they’ll recommend ones that suit your needs. 

Key Factors Influencing Dental Implant Success

Although dental implants have a high chance of succeeding, several factors can impact the results. These include:

• Smoking: Smoking has been consistently identified as a risk factor that negatively impacts the survival and success rates of dental implants.
• Diabetes: Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of implant failure because it can affect the healing process and osseointegration of the implant.
• Periodontal disease: A history of periodontal diseases is associated with an increased risk of implant failure due to compromised bone and gum health.
• Lack of oral hygiene: Inadequate oral hygiene and poor plaque control can lead to peri-implant diseases, a significant cause of implant failure.

Dental implants are a successful and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Their impressive success rate and survival rate make them a popular choice for patients and dentists. 

Dental implants help restore oral function and appear like natural teeth, improving aesthetics. However, the success rate of dental implants depends on a range of factors, including the patient’s age and health.

Because of these factors, it’s important to talk to your dentist so they can give you a comprehensive assessment to improve the success of your implants. They can help you address risk factors such as improving oral hygiene, stopping smoking, and carefully considering the implant site.