A recent study has demonstrated that single dental implants used for tooth replacement exhibit sustained functionality even after four decades. This research represents the longest follow-up study of single dental implants conducted to date.
The study, undertaken by researchers at the University of Gothenburg, evaluated a cohort of patients who received single dental implants between 1982 and 1985. The follow-up was conducted at the Brånemark Clinic, Public Dental Service Västra Götaland.
Of the initial 16 patients who received implants during the study period, 13 participated in the follow-up evaluation. These individuals collectively had 18 implants, which were assessed for survival and peri-implant bone stability.
“It is impressive that the single implants function so well after such a long time,” explained Sargon Barkarmo, prosthodontist and senior lecturer at the University of Gothenburg. “Even though the study included a small number of patients, the results show that the implants remain in place and that the bone loss around them is virtually unchanged after 40 years.”
While the implants themselves exhibited long-term durability, the study found that the prosthetic crowns placed on the implants had a comparatively shorter lifespan. At the 40-year follow-up, approximately 60 per cent of the original crowns remained in situ, with many having undergone one or more replacements over the years.
The study further concluded that dental implants placed using meticulously planned surgical protocols and provided with adequate healing time demonstrate excellent long-term prognoses.
The researchers also noted that early-generation implant systems, despite their proven efficacy, are no longer commercially available. Continuous advancements in implant technology have led to the frequent introduction of new systems, which often supplant established designs before long-term outcomes are fully assessed.
In related research, scientists have recently explored the potential of bioengineered teeth as an alternative to traditional dental implants. Earlier this year, a research team successfully cultivated human-like tooth structures in vitro and subsequently implanted them into miniature pig models.
Utilising a combination of human and porcine dental cells, the researchers induced the formation of tooth-like structures within pig dental tissue samples. These bioengineered teeth, after undergoing further maturation in vivo for two months, developed essential mineralised layers of dentin and cementum.
While dental implants remain the gold standard for tooth replacement, ongoing advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering may offer future alternatives for restoring dental function with biologically derived solutions.
> Since you’re here, why not read common dental issues seniors should know about?
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