Warranty

Author: Kimberly N. Powell, DDS, MS, FAGD

My washing machine has a 10 year warranty. I’m sure this is consistent with other household appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, furnaces, etc.  Vehicles have such warranties, approximately 12 years, but their overall function as with other things is dependent on maintenance and wear and tear.  What a wonderful world it would be if things lasted a lifetime, but what does?  And if we are aware that everything has an expiration date, even humans, why is their a presumption that dental restorations will last a lifetime? Studies indicate that dental implants have a 90%-95% success rate over a 10-year period. Dental crown-and-bridge and dentures are said to last 10 years in function. Our goal is to produce the best results with the best long term prognosis by using ideal prosthetics/restorations in the ideal location for each patient. However, the consistent and varied function of the oral cavity, diet, proper oral healthcare at home and professionally, compliancy in using night guards when bruxism is diagnosed all contribute to the success of dental treatment.  High-quality materials, improved design and techniques, AI assistance have all improved the longevity of treatment, but “as with cars, each patient’s mileage will vary”.  

Source:  AGD Impact, April 2024, Vol. 52, No. 4.  What Lasts a Lifetime?  Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD