Are implants for life?

It depends on how we look after them.

The use of dental implants is considered a safe and predictable treatment to replace missing teeth, but over the time they function in the mouth, complications can arise, both technical and biological, which if left untreated can compromise the function of the implant and even lead to its complete loss.

BIOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS

These are the most complex. The success of implants in the short term (5 years) is very high, as more than 95% of implants integrate favourably into the bone and fulfil their function of supporting the prosthesis and performing effective mastication.

Recent studies indicate that the incidence of biological complications, mainly infection of the tissues surrounding the implant, is more frequent than previously thought. Over time, and especially in patients without preventive and maintenance measures, infections can develop in the tissues surrounding the implant.

Patients who are more likely to suffer from these infections around the implants (peri-implant) are those who have suffered and are suffering from periodontal infections (gum inflammation), patients who smoke, those who do not have regular oral hygiene and all those who do not attend regular periodontal check-ups and maintenance.