Dental Implants Sydney

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Dental Expert

Will My Dental Implants Last Forever? (Here’s What to Expect)

By Dr. Kinnar Shah | Cosmetic Dentist
& Implant Mentor | SmileConcepts Sydney

11 July 2025

Missing teeth can leave you wondering if there’s a truly permanent solution. You’ve heard about dental implants, but the big question on your mind is probably: “Will they last forever?” The truth is, dental implants offer the closest thing to a permanent tooth replacement available today. At Smile Concepts, we’ve placed hundreds of successful implants for Sydney patients over three decades, and we regularly show tooth implants before and after photos to help patients understand the life-changing results possible. This guide will give you the real facts about implant longevity and what you can realistically expect from your investment.

The Reality About Dental Implant Longevity

The honest answer is that while dental implants can last a lifetime, they’re not technically “forever.” However, the numbers are impressive. Recent studies show that 95.6% of implants remain functional after 38-40 years. A comprehensive study following over 10,000 implants found 96.7% survival at 5 years, 92.5% at 10 years, and 86% at 15 years.

What makes implants so durable?

Titanium construction – The implant post is made from medical-grade titanium that integrates with your jawbone
Osseointegration process – Your bone grows around the implant, creating a permanent bond
No decay risk – Unlike natural teeth, implant posts can’t develop cavities.

Stable bone levels – Studies show minimal bone loss around well-maintained implants

The key difference is between the implant itself and the crown. While the titanium implant post can truly last decades, the crown (the visible tooth part) typically needs replacement every 10-15 years. Think of it like a car – the engine (implant) can run for decades, but you might need new tires (crown) along the way.

Looking at tooth implant before and after cases, patients often can’t believe how natural and permanent their results appear, even years later.

Implant vs. Crown Lifespan – Understanding the Difference

Titanium Implant Post

Pros	Cons
Can last 25+ years or even a lifetime with proper care	Requires surgery and 3-6 months healing time
Becomes permanently fused with your jawbone through osseointegration	Higher upfront cost than other options
Cannot decay or develop cavities

Implant Crown

Pros	Cons
Looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth	Needs replacement every 10-15 years on average
Can be replaced without affecting the implant post	Subject to normal wear from chewing and daily use
Modern materials are highly durable.

Expert Tip: The 40-year study showed that only 60.9% of original crowns remained after nearly four decades, but all implants were still functional. Most crown replacements were for aesthetic reasons rather than failure.

Real Patient Experience – What 40 Years Teaches Us

A groundbreaking study from Sweden followed the same patients for 38-40 years – the longest dental implant study ever conducted. The results were remarkable: every single implant examined was still in place and fully functional. (Dental Tribune, 2025)

The study revealed important insights about tooth implant before and after outcomes over time. While patients maintained excellent implant function, many had their crowns replaced 1-2 times over the decades, primarily for aesthetic updates rather than mechanical failure.

Most importantly, the bone levels around the implants remained stable, with some patients showing bone growth around their implants after 40 years. This demonstrates that properly placed implants don’t just survive – they can help maintain your jawbone health.

SmileConcepts’ Patient’s Before & After Dental Implant
- Treatment by Dr. Shah

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ACTUAL CASES BY DR. SHAH

BEFORE

The image shows several heavily damaged or decayed teeth in the upper front area.
These teeth appear to have been shaped into metal or metal-post abutments, likely for supporting dental crowns or a bridge.
The natural tooth structure is mostly gone, probably due to decay, trauma, or root canal treatments.

This stage suggests preparation for either a dental bridge or dental crowns, or potentially replacement planning using dental implants if the roots aren’t healthy.

What Dr. Shah likely did?

Based on the dramatic improvement in the after image, here’s what probably took place:

Tooth Removal (if applicable):
- If the roots were failing or infected, Dr. Shah might have extracted the existing teeth or post abutments.
Dental Implant Placement:
- Titanium implants would have been placed into the jawbone in place of the missing or extracted teeth. These act as artificial tooth roots.
Healing & Osseointegration:
- A healing period (usually a few months) followed, allowing the implants to fuse with the jawbone.
Abutment and Crown Fitting:
- After healing, abutments (connectors) were fixed to the implants.

Then, natural-looking dental crowns were placed on top, custom-matched to shape and shade.

AFTER

The image shows a full set of upper front prosthetic teeth (most likely crowns supported by implants)
The gums look healthy, and the alignment is much improved.
The result is a restored smile with natural-looking, even teeth, both functionally and aesthetically.

Your Dental Implant Questions – Answered

What are the main reasons implants might fail?

The biggest risk factors are smoking (37% failure rate), poor oral hygiene leading to peri-implantitis, and certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. Healthy patients see failure rates as low as 4.4%.

How much maintenance do implants need?

Daily brushing and flossing plus regular dental visits every 6 months. The care is similar to natural teeth, but you’ll need professional cleanings to prevent peri-implantitis around the implant site.

What happens if I need a crown replacement?

It’s a simple procedure that doesn’t affect your implant post. Your dentist removes the old crown and attaches a new one – no surgery required. Most patients are back to normal function immediately.

Factors That Affect Your Implant’s Lifespan

Your implant’s longevity depends largely on factors you can control:

Oral hygiene habits:

Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Daily flossing using implant-specific floss or water flossers
Regular dental visits every 6 months for professional cleanings
Antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria around the implant site

Lifestyle factors:

Smoking cessation – Smokers have nearly double the failure rate
Diabetes management – Well-controlled diabetes doesn’t significantly impact success
Teeth grinding protection – Night guards prevent excessive force on implants.

Research shows that patients who maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular checkups can expect their implants to function for decades. The tooth implant before and after photos we take years later consistently show healthy, natural-looking results.

Our advanced 3D imaging technology ensures precise placement, and our comprehensive aftercare program helps maximise your implant’s lifespan.

Your Path to Long-Lasting Results

While dental implants may not last forever, they offer the most durable tooth replacement option available. With proper care, your implant post can function for decades, and even if you need a crown replacement every 10-15 years, you’ll still have a stable, permanent foundation.

The key to success is choosing an experienced implant team and committing to excellent oral hygiene. Most patients tell us they wish they had chosen implants sooner after seeing their tooth implant before and after transformation.

Tired of worrying about your missing teeth?

Our proven implant techniques have helped hundreds of Sydney patients regain their confidence and oral health. Book your consultation to start your transformation today.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a complete, lasting smile. Call our Sydney practice or book online to get started.