What are the factors involved in successful implant treatment?

- the quality and balance of the prosthesis on the implant,

- distribution of forces on the implant,

- bone quality,

- patient’s buccodental hygiene,

- regular check-ups.

What is the long-term success rate for this treatment?

Studies such as the one by Lekholm and colleagues extending over 20 years and published in 2006 reached the following conclusions:

- implant survival rate is 91% at 20 years. In other words, a patient who has implants has a 9 in 10 chance of still having the implants and implant prosthesis in 20 years time.

- implant treatment is the most reliable prosthetic treatment in many situations.

What are the risks and complications?

The majority of complications occur in the first few months of healing and osteointegration. It often involves the absence of bone integration because of fibrous tissue becoming interposed. The implant is mobile and painful. It has to be removed under local anaesthetic. Another implant can generally be inserted a few weeks or months after healing takes place.

What conclusions have been reached about this treatment?

In the same way as for natural teeth, the lifespan of an implant is hard to predict as it depends on a large number of factors. According to various published studies, implants seem to last longer than bridges or immobile prostheses.

Dental implants are therefore a proven and reliable technique. There are very few contraindication to this type of surgery.