Single-Tooth Implants: Still Going Strong After Nearly 40 Years
When dental implants were first introduced in the 1960s, few could have imagined they would one day become a standard solution for millions worldwide. But how well do these implants really hold up after decades of daily use? A groundbreaking long-term follow-up study from Sweden has now provided some answers—tracking single-tooth implants for almost 40 years.
A Rare Long-Term Look at Dental Implants
The research, conducted at the Brånemark Clinic in Gothenburg, Sweden, followed 16 patients who received 23 single-tooth implants between 1982 and 1985. These patients were among the very first in the world to undergo this treatment, designed to replace individual missing teeth caused by trauma or congenital absence.
Nearly four decades later, 13 of the original patients—with a total of 18 implants—returned for a comprehensive clinical and radiographic evaluation.
Survival Rates and Bone Health
The results were striking:
Implant survival rate: 95.6% after 38–40 years
Crown survival rate: 60.9% after the same period
While the crowns often needed replacement—mostly due to esthetic reasons like discoloration or material wear—the implants themselves remained remarkably stable.
Even more encouraging, most patients experienced minimal changes in bone levels around the implants, with some even showing bone gain over time. Importantly, no cases of peri-implantitis (a serious gum and bone infection around implants) were found.
Complications: Mostly Minor
The study reported low rates of biological and technical complications. Mucositis (gum inflammation) was relatively common, but severe issues such as implant loss were rare. A few crowns experienced loosening, chipping, or replacement, but these problems did not compromise the implants themselves.
Why It Matters
For younger patients—who may live many decades with their implants—these findings are especially reassuring. The study demonstrates that with proper placement and care, single-tooth implants can last a lifetime, though crowns may need to be replaced periodically for functional or esthetic reasons.
The authors emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up in implant dentistry. By continuing to study these patients over decades, researchers gain valuable insights into what works, what fails, and how implant treatments can be further improved.
The Bottom Line
After nearly 40 years, single-tooth implants have proven to be a durable, safe, and effective treatment for replacing missing teeth. While crowns may not last forever, the implants themselves show excellent longevity, making them one of the most reliable solutions in modern dentistry.
DOI: 10.1111/cid.13443
Original Article: Barkarmo, S., & Kowar, J. (2025). Outcome of Single Dental Implants Over 38–40 Years: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 27, e13443.