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Dental implants are safe — long-term studies show it

Long-term clinical data on dental implants are especially important as evidence that an implant system is predictable and works.

The use of dental implants has been examined in many scientific studies from the outset. Long-term studies are available that have followed implants for up to fifteen years with a high success rate. A person's age at the time the implant is placed plays a minor part in the success of implant treatment. The important criteria for a positive prognosis are bone quality and bone volume. According to clinical studies, the probability that an implant is still fully functional after ten years is above 90 per cent.

Long-term clinical data on dental implants are especially important as evidence that an implant system is predictable and works. For decades, studies in clinics and practices have examined the long-term success of implants in a wide range of clinical situations.

Long-term clinical data are decisive for an implant system, because patients and dentists expect their implants to last as long as possible. Long-term investigations help to demonstrate that implants succeed over time and give dentists greater confidence when choosing and using a particular implant system.

Survival rates of dental implants in dental practice

Most implant studies assess dental implants under tightly controlled conditions in clinical trials, often conducted at large universities and hospitals. Results may turn out differently when the implants are used in a dental practice in other clinical situations.

The survival rates of selected precision implants in everyday practice have proved to be just as good as under more strictly controlled conditions. Studies show excellent long-term success for dental implants even where bone quality is poor. Good survival rates have also been demonstrated in more difficult clinical situations such as narrow alveolar ridges or an augmented upper jaw.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

According to clinical studies the probability that an implant is still fully functional after ten years is over 90 per cent. There are also long-term studies that have followed implants for up to 15 years with a high success rate.
Studies show excellent long-term success for dental implants even where bone quality is poor. Good survival rates have also been demonstrated in more difficult situations, for example with narrow jaw ridges or with an upper jaw that has previously been built up (augmented). Bone quality and the amount of bone available remain important criteria for a positive prognosis.
Most implant studies are carried out under very controlled conditions at large universities and clinics, so the results could turn out differently in practice. For selected precision implants, however, survival rates in dental practices have proved to be just as good as under the more strictly controlled conditions.