Implant dentistry is becoming a very popular treatment option for dental patients.

Most patients seem to know a little about implant dentistry, so I’m here to fill in the gaps and let you know if you may be an implant dentistry candidate.

Implant dentistry basically involves replacing missing teeth with new ones. In the not so distant past, the only options after losing one tooth or more were dentures or bridges.

Dentures are basically metal or plastic plates that make it hard to talk, eat, and laugh with confidence – most people just end up coping with them. While dentures replace all missing teeth, a bridge replaces one or two missing teeth. It is made of porcelain and cemented in place. Bridges are a good option, but they have not changed for the last 100 years. Implant dentistry has evolved to take the place of bridges and dentures.

What does implant dentistry actually entail?

A dental implant involves placing titanium tooth roots into the jaw, allowing them to heal for three to six months, then placing a post and crown on top of the strong titanium root. This is different than typical dental crowns. You can then chew, brush and floss just like your own natural tooth. This can be done for one or multiple teeth. Implant dentistry has the potential to last a lifetime, and the great news is that implants can’t get cavities.

If you have already lost all of your teeth and have dentures, there is good news for you. By placing either two or four implants in each jaw, your dentures can be “snapped” in to give them a solid, strong, locked-in fit. This has the ability to dramatically improve your confidence, knowing that your dentures are not going to slip or fall out.

Implant dentistry has been proven by science to be affective, safe, and a great long-term solution to missing teeth. Not everyone is an ideal implant candidate though. Patients with diabetes, who smoke, or who have autoimmune disorders have higher risk of failure with implant dentistry. Some patients may also need additional procedures to ensure there is enough strong bone for the implant to lock into.

A tooth implant can also be a serious time commitment. From start to finish, they can take anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on the case. Good brushing at home and regular cleanings at the dental office are also needed to maintain the health of your implant dentistry.

I hope this article has cleared up any questions or confusion about implant dentistry. Dental implants, like cell phones, are now everywhere around us. Ten years ago they were both rare, but now they are commonplace. Technology has rapidly progressed in the last ten years… let me, an implant dentist, restore your smile and confidence. Call me today with any questions and to see if you are a candidate for implant dentistry.