Once the implants and surrounding soft tissues are seen to be healthy and the final implant crown comfortably and correctly adjusted, it is the quality of your personal attention to oral hygiene and willingness to attend to regular maintenance that will have most influence on how long implants will last. When poorly cared for, implants will develop a covering of hard and soft deposits (calculus and plaque), which is very similar to that found on neglected natural teeth. Untreated, these deposits can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. With proper care, implants can last as long as natural teeth.