Kuala Lampur, Dec. 9 -- Dental implants have transformed modern dentistry. Despite the cost, they look natural, feel stable, and - when well cared for - can last many years.

But there is one myth that needs to be broken: dental implants are not maintenance-free, nor are they guaranteed to last forever. Their long-term survival depends heavily on what happens after the implant is placed, in particular, the aftercare.

Many patients celebrate the end of surgery, thinking the hardest part is over: the cost, the appointments, the discomfort.

But in reality, the true success of an implant begins the very day it is restored and put into function. Without consistent maintenance, even a perfectly placed implant can fail.

The hidden threat: Per...