[Dental implants--indications and long-term outcome]

Osteo-integratable dental implant systems were developed 25 years ago. The mean life of such implants is about 20 years when they are properly inserted for the right indications. The most important indication is the edentulous mandible, but also the toothless maxilla, the free-end situation in the case of bridges, and single-tooth replacement. Effective procedures have since been developed for eliminating bone deficits that once excluded the use of implants.