Do dental implants need to be replaced?

Osteointegration — the basis of implant durability

The key to the durability of implants is their permanent anchoring in the bone. The implant screw, made of titanium or zirconium, has a porous surface that allows bone cells to integrate into the implant. This process is called osteointegration and usually lasts a dozen weeks. Thanks to this, the implant is stably embedded in the bone.

Before the implant is implanted, the dentist carefully assesses the condition of the bones using X-rays or computed tomography. In the case of bone tissue deficiency, bone reconstruction procedures are often performed to provide adequate conditions for the stable implantation of the implant.

Implant hygiene

Implants require the same care as natural teeth. Although implants do not decay, the tissues around them — the gums — are exposed to bacteria. Inadequate hygiene can lead to inflammation of the tissues around the implant (periimplantitis), which threatens the durability of the entire structure.

Daily brushing of teeth at least three times a day and the use of mouthwashes with antibacterial action are the basic principles of implant care. Regular check-ups with the dentist help to monitor the condition of the implants and gums.

Implant and prosthetic crown

An implant is a metal screw implanted into the bone, while a crown is a prosthetic element fixed on the implant that replaces the visible part of the tooth. Crowns are most often made of ceramics or porcelain. Unlike an implant, crowns can undergo mechanical damage, discoloration or wear and sometimes require replacement after a few years.

Do implants need to be replaced?

Dental implants, if properly installed and properly cared for, can serve patients for many years, often for life. Implant replacement is rarely necessary and usually results from complications such as:

• hygienic negligence leading to inflammation of the tissues around the implant,
• mechanical injuries,
• systemic diseases affecting the healing and condition of bones,
• smoking,
• bone atrophy or anatomical changes.

In most cases, it is the prosthetic crowns that need to be replaced, and not the implants themselves.

In summary, dental implants do not need to be replaced if they are properly maintained and controlled by a dentist. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are the key to long-term success of implant treatment.