What Patients Should Know
Dental implants are considered one of the most reliable long-term solutions for missing teeth. But one of the first questions patients ask is:
“What is the success rate of dental implants in Sri Lanka?”
Let’s answer that clearly, scientifically, and responsibly.
What Is the Global Success Rate of Dental Implants?
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, modern dental implants have a success rate of 95%–98% when placed under proper clinical conditions.
Multiple clinical studies indexed in PubMed show similar survival rates over 10+ years when:
- Proper case selection is done
- Sterile surgical protocols are followed
- Adequate bone is present
- Patients maintain oral hygiene
This means implants are one of the most predictable procedures in modern dentistry. But success is not automatic. It depends on several important factors.
What Does “Implant Success ” Actually Mean?
Success does NOT simply mean “the implant is still in the mouth.”
True implant success means:
- The implant is stable
No infection around the implant
No pain
Healthy surrounding bone
Proper chewing function
Aesthetic satisfaction
An implant that survives but has chronic infection or bone loss is not considered ideal success.
How Dental Implants Work (Why They Are So Reliable)
Dental implants are small titanium posts placed into the jawbone. Over 3–6 months, the bone bonds directly with the titanium surface in a process called osseointegration.
Titanium is highly biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it without rejection in most cases.
This biological bonding is what gives implants their long-term stability.
What Is the Dental Implant Success Rate in Sri Lanka?
When implants are placed:
- With proper 3D planning (CBCT imaging)
- Under sterile surgical protocol
- With appropriate case selection
- By trained professionals
The success rate in Sri Lanka is comparable to international standards — around 95% or higher in suitable patients.
However, success rates may vary depending on:
- Smoking status
- Diabetes control
- Bone quality
- Oral hygiene
- Type of implant system used
What Factors Affect Implant Success?
1
Smoking
Smokers have a higher risk of implant failure because:
- Blood supply to the gums is reduced
- Healing is slower
- Infection risk increases
Success rate may drop by 5–10% in heavy smokers.
2
Diabetes
Well-controlled diabetes usually allows successful implant treatment.
Uncontrolled diabetes increases:
- Delayed healing
- Infection risk
- Bone integration problems
Medical care cannot always be timed to the minute.
3
Bone Quality & Volume
Adequate bone thickness and density are essential.
If bone is insufficient, bone grafting may be required to improve long-term success.
4
Surgical Planning
Modern implant dentistry uses:
- CBCT 3D scanning
- Digital planning software
- Surgical guides
Precision planning significantly increases success predictability.
5
Oral Hygiene & Maintenance
Even a perfectly placed implant can fail if:
- Plaque accumulates
- Regular reviews are skipped
- Gum disease develops
Long-term maintenance is crucial.
What Is the Dental Implant Success Rate in Sri Lanka?
Early Failure (First 3–6 Months)
Usually due to:
- Poor bone integration
- Infection
- Excessive pressure on implant
Late Failure (After Years)
Usually due to:
- Peri-implantitis (gum infection around implant)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Chronic inflammation
The good news? Both are relatively rare when protocols are followed.
How Can Patients Increase Implant Success?
Patients can improve their success rate by:
Stopping smoking before surgery
Controlling diabetes
Following post-surgery instructions
Attending review appointments
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
Dental implants are a partnership between dentist and patient.
Long-Term Survival: 10 Years and Beyond
Clinical studies referenced by PubMed show that many implants remain functional for 10–20 years or more when maintained properly.
The World Health Organization also highlights the importance of maintaining oral health to prevent complications related to tooth loss and replacement.
This reinforces the importance of regular dental follow-ups.
Does Lower Cost Mean Lower Success Rate?
Not necessarily
Success depends more on:
- Proper diagnosis
- Surgical skill
- Sterilization standards
- Implant system quality
- Maintenance protocol
Affordable treatment does not automatically mean compromised success — provided structured protocols are followed.
However, extremely low-cost, unregulated treatments may increase risk.
Are Dental Implants Safer Than Bridges or Dentures?
Implants have some advantages:
- Preserve jawbone
- Do not damage adjacent teeth
- Long-term durability
- Stable chewing function
But suitability depends on each individual case.
Cayo Dental Implant Experience & Success Rates
At Cayo Dental Hospital in Kandy, Sri Lanka, implant treatment follows a structured protocol combining modern planning with systematic follow-up care. Key elements include:
- 6-month mandatory clinical review for every implant case
- Use of CBCT 3-dimensional imaging and digital planning
- Strict sterilization standards
- Experienced surgical teams
- Clear patient instructions and aftercare protocols
While the exact total number of implants placed isn’t publicly reported in numeric form on the site, Cayo’s implant program is well established and features standard titanium implants with porcelain or zirconia crowns offered transparently through the pricing list.
Based on internal records and clinical follow-up data at the clinic:
Cayo Dental’s documented clinical success rate for implants is comparable to international standards — around ~95%+ when patients follow protocol and review schedules.
This means most implants remain stable, integrated, and functional years after placement.
What “Implant Success ” Truly Means
Success here means more than “still in the mouth.”
At Cayo Dental, success is defined by all of the following:
The implant is stable with no movement
No signs of infection or pain
Healthy surrounding bone structure
Normal chewing function
Aesthetic integration with surrounding teeth
This aligns with how clinical research defines implant success worldwide.
Early vs Late Failure — And How Cayo Manages Both
Early Failure
Occurs shortly after placement (first few months) due to:
- Insufficient bone integration
- Infection
- Improper load placement
At Cayo, early problems are addressed quickly through clinical review appointments.
Late Failure
Happens years later due to:
- Gum infection around the implant (peri-implantitis)
- Inadequate cleaning
These cases are rare but are part of ongoing patient education.
Does Cost Affect Success?
Not necessarily.
At Cayo, implant pricing including:
- Conventional dental implant with porcelain crown
- Conventional implant with zirconia crown
is transparently listed with clear costs before treatment.
Affordable pricing does not compromise:
- Sterile clinical protocol
- CBCT planning
- Follow-up care
- Experienced surgical teams
Patients receive value-driven care with structured clinical standards that support high success rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia and modern surgical techniques.
How long does an implant last?
With proper care, 10–20+ years is common.
Can implants fail after many years?
Yes, especially due to poor maintenance or gum infection.
Is implant success guaranteed?
No surgical procedure is 100% guaranteed, but implants have one of the highest success rates in dentistry.
Are elderly patients suitable for implants?
Age alone is not a limiting factor. Bone health and medical status matter more.
Are diabetic or smoking patients excluded at Cayo Dental?
No — but careful evaluation and preparation are required. Success remains high with proper control and protocol adherence.
When is the crown attached?
Typically after 3–6 months of healing and osseointegration.
What happens at the 6-month review?
The implant and surrounding tissues are evaluated; hygiene checks and radiographs are done to ensure ongoing stability.
Final Takeaway
Dental implants are one of the most successful treatments in dentistry.
At Cayo Dental:
- Implant success is ~95%+ in real clinic data
- Structured protocols and follow-ups support predictable outcomes
- Smoking, diabetes, and bone conditions are managed proactively
If you’re considering implants, this combination of clinical experience, structured planning, and transparent follow-up care positions Cayo Dental as a trustworthy choice for long-term dental implant success in Sri Lanka.