How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The best evidence comes from systematic reviews, which pool many clinical studies. A 2019 review combined 18 prospective studies of modern implants and estimated that 96.4% were still in place after 10 years ^[4]. When the authors allowed for patients who dropped out of the studies, the estimate was 93.2% ^[4]. Patients aged 65 and over had a higher risk of losing an implant ^[4].

A 2012 review of 46 studies looked at implants carrying a single crown. It estimated that 97.2% of the implants were still in place after 5 years and 95.2% after 10 years ^[5].

These figures describe groups of patients. They are not a promise for one mouth. Implants are not guaranteed for life, but with good care they can last a long time ^[1].

Research points to a few factors that matter most:

• SmokingA 2015 review of 107 studies found that 6.35% of implants failed in smokers, against 3.18% in non-smokers ^[8]. A larger 2021 review of 292 publications found the odds of failure were about 2.4 times higher in smokers ^[9]. Stopping smoking, and staying stopped, is strongly recommended ^[2].
• Peri-implantitisPlaque can inflame the gum and destroy the bone around an implant, which can loosen it ^[1][6]. It can start early and tends to speed up once it begins ^[6].
• Past gum diseaseA history of periodontitis is a risk factor for peri-implantitis, so gum disease is treated before implants are placed ^[3][6]. See our gum treatment page.
• Poor cleaning and missed check-upsPoor plaque control and a lack of regular maintenance raise the risk of peri-implantitis ^[6].
• Teeth grindingIn one clinic's records of 3,549 implants, 13.0% failed in patients who grind their teeth, against 4.6% in those who did not ^[11]. This is a single study, so the figure is a guide, not a rule.
• DiabetesA 2014 review of 14 publications found no significant difference in implant failure between patients with and without diabetes, though there was slightly more bone loss in patients with diabetes ^[10]. Tell your dentist about any health condition and medicines you take ^[2].
• AgeIn the 2019 review, patients aged 65 and over had a higher risk of losing an implant ^[4].

The amount and quality of bone also matter. Where there is too little bone in the upper back jaw, a sinus lift can make room for new bone before the implant is placed.

If plaque builds up around an implant, it can cause peri-implantitis ^[1]. These habits protect it:

• Brush twice a dayBrush for two minutes before bed and at one other time in the day ^[1].
• Clean between your teethClean around the implant every day with interdental brushes ^[1]. Brushing and flossing are still needed ^[3].
• Keep your check-upsRegular dental and hygiene visits check that the implant stays healthy ^[1][3]. A lack of regular maintenance is linked to peri-implantitis ^[6].
• Stop smokingSmoking raises the risk of implant failure ^[8][9].
• Tell your dentist if you grindGrinding was linked to more implant failures in one large clinic study ^[11]. Your dentist can advise on protection such as a night guard.
• Report loose parts earlyA loose crown or screw is easier to fix when it is seen quickly ^[2].

If you are planning dental implants at Vita Smile, your first visit in Istanbul usually takes 3 to 7 days when no bone graft is needed, and the implant surgery itself takes 1 to 3 hours. Your written quote is confirmed after your examination at the clinic.