A life table analysis is a type of statistical method used to describe the survival in a sample (such as dental implants). The distribution of survival times is divided into intervals. For each interval, the number and proportion of cases that entered the respective interval “alive”(or in other words, that succeeded) can be computed as can the number and proportion of cases that “died” in the respective interval (or in other words, that failed). The number of cases that were lost to follow-up or that were censored in the respective interval can also be computed. This type of detailed statistical information is essential in determining which types of treatments, procedures, prostheses, or implants have the greatest rate of success within a group of recipients and are therefore more reliable than others that are available. This method may also be used to determine if a product should be approved for safe use or if it should be brought to market.