30-Year Dental Implant Replacement:

A Legacy of Durability & Advanced Revision Surgery

Clinical Cases: Dr. Teng lizhao
Chinese Registered Physician Practice Certificate No. 120510100000057

A Case Study at Chengdu Anyu Dental Implant Hospital

Before and After Cases

  • Consent for the use of patient information has been obtained
  • Note: All clinical case photos displayed here are 100% genuine and unretouched.

Case Breakdown

30-Year Osseointegration (1993 CIDC Blade Implant)

Pre-operative CBCT radiograph confirming remarkable bone integration, stable marginal bone levels, and zero visible resorption after 30 years of daily function.

Explantation & Bone Augmentation

CBCT image following the gentle removal of the fractured blade implant and immediate guided bone regeneration (GBR) to rebuild jawbone volume.

Post-operative CBCT Radiograph

3D imaging verifying precise anchor placement and ideal spatial orientation of the modern ITI Tissue Level cylindrical implant.

Fractured Connection

Clinical view showing the structural fracture at the implant-abutment junction caused by accidental heavy bite force.

Intraoral View

Condition of the compromised site following the removal of the fractured crown and custom abutment assembly.

Legacy Hardware

The retrieved 1993 CIDC custom abutment and ceramic restoration showing structural wear at the fractured interface after 30 years.

Bone Regeneration at 9 Months

Follow-up clinical evaluation confirming complete tissue healing and robust bone density ready for secondary implantation.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Precision insertion of the modern ITI Tissue Level implant into the fully regenerated alveolar bone bed.

Immediate Surgical Outcome

Final intraoral view immediately after minimally invasive re-implantation, demonstrating excellent stability and healthy surrounding gingival contours.

Treatment Process

Case Overview

This rare 30-year dental implant revision case was performed by Dr. Teng Lizhao, Chief Physician and Acting Executive President of Chengdu Anyu Dental Implant Hospital, who holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Sichuan University.

In 1993, the patient received a pioneer Chinese-made CIDC blade single-piece dental implant. This landmark implant system was independently developed by Professor Chen Anyu’s team at the Scientific & Technical Center of Dental Implantology, Ministry of Public Health, P.R. China—the historic origin of Chengdu Anyu Dental Implant Hospital. Remarkable clinical evaluation revealed that even after 30 years of continuous daily function, CBCT imaging showed solid osseointegration, no significant bone loss, and no implant mobility.

However, an accidental extreme bite force fractured the connection between the implant post and the abutment. As a result, direct restoration was impossible, and the patient returned to Anyu Hospital seeking a comprehensive replacement with Dr. Teng.

Surgical Strategy: Explantation, Bone Grafting & Delayed Placement

Given the obsolete geometry of 1990s blade implants and the irreparable nature of the broken connection, Dr. Teng designed a tailored two-phase surgical approach:

  • Phase 1: Explantation & Bone Augmentation: Dr. Teng gently removed the fractured blade implant while preserving maximal native bone. Guided bone regeneration (bone grafting) was performed immediately to rebuild adequate bone volume and density for future placement.
  • Healing Window: A 9-month healing period was allowed for the grafted bone to fully integrate and mature.
  • Phase 2: Minimally Invasive Re-Implantation: Once follow-up CBCT scans confirmed adequate bone height and density, Dr. Teng placed a modern, high-stability dental implant using advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Final Outcome & Long-Term Prognosis

The secondary implant placement achieved exceptional primary stability and healthy soft-tissue integration:

  • Restored Strength: Restored full occlusal function with an updated, high-precision prosthetic connection.
  • Tissue Preservation: Maintained natural gingival contours and stable marginal bone levels.
  • Patient Satisfaction: Delivered complete functional recovery and long-term peace of mind, proving that even 30-year-old legacy implants can be seamlessly transitioned into modern, lifelong restorations.

FAQs

How long can a dental implant last in your mouth?

With high-quality materials and precise surgical placement, dental implants can last 30 years, decades, or even a lifetime, as proven by this 1993 CIDC clinical case.

What happens if an old dental implant breaks or fractures?

If the structural connection or post fractures and cannot be restored, the damaged implant can be safely extracted, followed by bone rebuilding and placement of a modern replacement implant.

What is a blade implant, and why are modern implants shaped differently?

Blade implants were flat-shaped implants commonly used in the 1980s and 1990s. Modern dental implants use root-form screw designs that offer superior stability, easier placement, and versatile prosthetic options.

Why is bone grafting necessary when replacing an old implant?

Removing an old implant creates a socket defect in the jawbone. Bone grafting fills this gap, restoring essential bone volume and density to hold the new implant securely.

How long does the replacement process take for a fractured implant?


If bone augmentation is required, the process typically takes 6 to 9 months to allow the grafted bone to fully mature before the new implant is placed and fitted with a crown.

Is replacing an old dental implant painful?

No. Explantation and re-implantation are conducted under local anesthesia using modern, minimally invasive techniques. Post-operative discomfort is mild and easily managed with standard care.

Meet the Attending Dentist

Dr. Teng Lizhao 滕立钊

Chief Physician & Acting Executive President | Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

Acting Executive President & Head of Medical Affairs at Chengdu Anyu Dental Implant Hospital (成都安玉牙种植医院)
Chinese Registered Physician Practice Certificate No. 120510100000057

Professional Affiliations & Certifications:

  • Standing Committee Member, Oral Implantology Professional Committee, Sichuan Stomatological Association
  • Vice Chair, 4th Private Dental Working Committee, Sichuan Stomatological Association
  • Standing Committee Member (3rd, 4th, 5th terms) & Former Youth Committee Member (2nd term), Oral Implantology Professional Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association
  • Member of ITI (International Team for Implantology)
  • Former Associate Editor-in-Chief, Executive Editor, and Editorial Board Member of Chinese Journal of Oral Implantology
  • Certified Key Opinion Leader (KOL) & Lecturer for Straumann, Osstem, and ICX Implant Systems

Clinical Expertise:

Dr. Teng earned his degrees from West China University of Medical Sciences and the National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials at Sichuan University, studying under Academician Zhang Xingdong, member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Foreign Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Teng currently serves as Acting Executive President of Chengdu Anyu Dental Implant Hospital, overseeing overall medical administration. He possesses extraordinary expertise in advanced dental implantology, full-mouth reconstruction, prosthodontics, and alveolar surgery.

Academic Achievements & Research:

A prominent clinical researcher in biomaterials and implantology, Dr. Teng has authored over 10 peer-reviewed scientific papers published in prestigious SCI, EI, and national core academic journals.

Free Consultation

Why chose Anyu Dental Implant Hospital

Experience the pinnacle of Chinese dental care at Anyu Dental Implant Hospital, the historic birthplace of modern oral implantology in China. Combine your treatment with a journey through the culture and cuisine of Chengdu.

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  • Record holder for the longest-serving dental implant case in China:30+years
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