Page 33 - Southdown Dental Implant Book

32 | GETYOURSMILEBACK:EVERYTHINGYOUNEEDTOKNOW... 3. HOW LONG DO IMPLANTS LAST? The success rate of dental implants is aston- ishing: up to 97%. The majority of doctors consider dental implants to be the most important, and amazing, development in the history of dentistry. The popular opinion is that dental implants will last forever. However, while their lifetime is indefinite, I can’t promise that they do. The long-term success of a dental implant is dependent on too many “human” factors. For example, the placement of a dental implant is really important when it comes to stability that lasts. If someone accidentally places your dental implant at an angle, the act of chewing will put a horizontal force on that implant. This off-angle force will cause the implant to fail, eventually. And, although dental implants won’t get cavi- ties, you’ll still run into major problems if you don’t take proper care of your hygiene.