What is the success rate of dental implants?
This depends very much on where the implants are placed and what they will be called upon to do. The best case scenario is the placement of implants in the front portion of the lower jaw. Here success can be as high as 98-100%. In other areas of the mouth, success rates can drop significantly. According to figures that we have today, the success of implants in the front part of the upper jaw are anywhere from 90-95%. Success rates of implants in the back part of the upper and lower jaw can be in the 85-95% range. The success rate in my practice for the past five years has been 99+% for all implants placed.
If the treatment is properly planned, the surgery accomplished following accepted rules of practice, the prosthesis fabricated correctly and the prosthesis properly maintained by the patient, success rates are in excess of 98%. There are factors, however, beyond the control of both the dentist and patient that can affect the life of an implant. Lifestyle changes, accidents, and illnesses can all have a negative affect.