Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

More than 30 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. By the age of 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. 69% of adults, ages 35 to 44, have lost at least one permanent tooth as a result of an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Although there are a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. In many cases, dental Implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary teeth and supporting structures.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

What Happens if I Don’t Pursue Treatment?

You may feel self-conscious when you smile or talk. Tooth loss may have a negative effect on your eating habits, which could lead to health problems like malnutrition. You will also experience bone loss if you have missing teeth. The bone will erode and weaken since there is no tooth supporting it, possibly leaving insufficient bone to place an implant later on. Your teeth will naturally try to close the gap of your missing tooth which will cause spacing between your teeth and increase oral hygiene difficulty (See Figure 1).

Why Should I get Dental Implants?

In most cases, Dental Implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures. Single implants can serve to support your crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also support a dental bridge for replacement of multiple missing teeth. Patients with full dentures often struggle with instability and discomfort which limits their function. Implants placed to help stabilize a denture, can decrease pain and allow you to chew without difficulty.

How Do I get Dental Implants?

The importance of this procedure is to create a functional and structural connection between your bone and the dental implant. This process is done through what is called Osseointegration. Osseointegration is a where the bone grows directly onto the implant which in turn anchors the root of the dental implant to your jaw bone (See Figures 2-a, 2-b, 2-c, and 2-d).