Over how many years might the overlying crown or abutment of a successful implant require replacement, unlike the integrated post?
Answer
10 to 15 years
While the implant post itself, once successfully osseointegrated into the bone, is designed for extreme longevity—potentially lasting a lifetime—the prosthetic components attached to it are subject to different stresses and wear patterns. The crown or the abutment piece, which interfaces directly with oral forces and hygiene routines, has a finite lifespan determined by material fatigue and occlusal function. It is generally expected that these supra-gingival components will require servicing or replacement, typically within a window spanning ten to fifteen years, even when the underlying titanium root structure remains perfectly stable and integrated within the bone.

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