Dental implants provided at Dorion & Associates are a safe, proven solution for tooth replacement, crafted with durable materials and placed using advanced techniques for optimal, lasting results.
When facing tooth loss, many patients naturally wonder about the safety and longevity of dental implants. With decades of research and millions of successful procedures worldwide, the evidence is clear: dental implants represent one of the safest and most durable tooth replacement options available in modern dentistry.
Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person’s ability to chew or their appearance, serving as artificial tooth roots that support crowns, bridges, or dentures. But what makes them safe?
Titanium is considered the most biocompatible metal due to its resistance to corrosion from bodily fluids, bio-inertness, capacity for osseointegration, and high fatigue limit. This means your body accepts titanium naturally without triggering rejection or adverse reactions.
Titanium and its alloys are known to be non-toxic and even more biocompatible than chromium-cobalt and stainless steel. The material forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to oxygen, creating a stable barrier that prevents harmful reactions between the implant and surrounding tissues.
Regulation agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration require biocompatibility testing prior to device approval. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that dental implants meet strict safety standards before they reach patients.
Biocompatibility testing, to show that bodily contact with the device does not cause complications like irritation or allergic reaction, is part of the evaluation that helps ensure the materials in the dental implant system are safe.
Overall, titanium-containing implants showed evidence of good mid-to-long term survival and few biological or inflammatory complications. When complications do occur, they’re typically preventable through proper patient selection, surgical technique, and post-operative care.
Research consistently demonstrates the exceptional durability of dental implants:
At the implant level, the cumulative survival rate at 3, 5, 10, and 15 years was 98.9%, 98.5%, 96.8%, and 94.0%, respectively. These figures come from a comprehensive study tracking over 10,000 implants across 22 years.
Studies have reported a 90 to 95 percent success rate of dental implants over a period of 10 years, with many implants functioning well beyond two decades.
Even looking at the longest timeframe studied, a 20-year meta-analysis of dental implants revealed a remarkable 4 out of 5 implants success rate, demonstrating that properly placed implants can truly last a lifetime.
Dental implants interface directly with the jawbone, becoming bonded with surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. During this process, bone cells grow around and attach to the titanium post, creating a bond that’s often stronger than the connection between natural teeth and bone.
Titanium’s ability to physically bond with bone gives it an advantage over other materials that require the use of an adhesive to remain attached. This biological integration is what makes dental implants so stable and long-lasting.
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent fixture in your mouth. While the crown attached to the implant may need replacement due to normal wear over many years, the implant post itself typically remains stable indefinitely when properly maintained.
Understanding what affects implant longevity helps patients maximize their investment:
Smoking Impact: Research indicates that overall implant failure rates are 11 percent in smokers, compared with 5 percent for nonsmokers. Smoking interferes with blood flow and healing, significantly reducing success rates.
Systemic Health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and osteoporosis can affect implant success. However, with proper management and specialized care, many patients with these conditions still achieve excellent results.
Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for long-term implant success. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings prevent peri-implantitis, an infection that can threaten implant stability.
The expertise of your periodontist or oral surgeon significantly impacts success rates. The success rates of dental implants placed by specialists have been well documented in numerous studies. Choosing an experienced specialist with advanced training in implant dentistry—like the team at Dorion & Associates—ensures optimal placement and long-term outcomes.
Bone Quality and Quantity
Adequate jawbone density is essential for implant stability. When bone loss has occurred, bone grafting procedures can rebuild the necessary foundation before implant placement, ensuring successful osseointegration.
At our Cary and Chapel Hill locations, we offer state-of-the-art implant solutions designed for maximum safety and durability:
Individual implants provide the most natural-looking and functional replacement for single missing teeth, preserving adjacent healthy teeth and preventing bone loss.
From implant-supported bridges to full-arch restorations, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
This innovative approach uses just four strategically placed implants to support a complete arch of teeth, offering immediate function and dramatic results.
Our periodontists utilize:
While dental implants are incredibly durable, proper care maximizes their lifespan:
Modern implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, making the procedure comfortable. At Dorion & Associates, we offer both oral sedation and IV sedation options to ensure a stress-free experience. Most patients report that recovery is easier than expected, with any discomfort well-managed by prescribed medications.
Among 4,247 patients, only 3.3% experienced implant failures across a study spanning over two decades. While failures can occur, they’re uncommon and often preventable. When they do happen, implants can typically be replaced after addressing the underlying cause.
There’s no upper age limit for dental implants. As long as you’re in reasonable health and have adequate bone density, age alone isn’t a barrier to successful implant treatment. In fact, many older adults are excellent candidates for implants.
Titanium allergies are extremely rare. Unlike some metals that can trigger allergic reactions, titanium has an extremely low risk of causing sensitivities, making it suitable for almost all patients. For the very rare patient with documented titanium sensitivity, ceramic zirconia implants offer an alternative.
Implant therapy is considered a safe and reliable method, backed by decades of research and millions of successful procedures worldwide. With excellent success rates reported, implant therapy is considered a predictable, safe, and reliable rehabilitation method for edentulous patients in most clinical scenarios.
The combination of biocompatible materials, advanced surgical techniques, and decades of clinical evidence confirms that dental implants are:
✓ Safe – Biocompatible titanium with FDA oversight and rigorous testing ✓ Durable – 90-95% success rates over 10+ years, with many lasting 20+ years ✓ Predictable – Well-established protocols with documented outcomes ✓ Functional – Restored chewing ability and natural appearance ✓ Bone-preserving – Prevents jawbone deterioration and maintains facial structure
At Dorion & Associates, our team of experienced periodontists has placed thousands of successful dental implants. We combine advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional results.
Ready to restore your smile with confidence? Schedule a consultation with our implant specialists to learn how dental implants can transform your oral health and quality of life.
Cary Office: 919-650-1101 | 270 Cornerstone Drive, Unit 106, Cary, NC 27519
Chapel Hill Office: 919-967-5099 | 920 MLK Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Discover why thousands of Triangle residents trust Dorion & Associates for safe, durable, and life-changing dental implant solutions.