If there is no stimulus of mechanical action on the bone, the surrounding bone will gradually disappear. An implant will also keep teeth from shifting and the bite from collapsing. And, the implant does not rely on adjacent teeth for support.

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Surgically, the failure rate is 2 to 6 percent. The bone is not as dense in all areas of the mouth. Age and health are other factors. Almost always, if an implant fails, another one can be placed.

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