WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
A dental implant is a substitute tooth root that serves the same function as a natural tooth root. It preserves bone and provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth that look, feel and function like a natural tooth. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material used in orthopedic implants.
WHY ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS BETTER THAN BRIDGES, PARTIALS AND DENTURES?
Dental implants can last a lifetime, unlike bridges, partials and dentures that may need to be replaced several times. Since dental implants prevent the bone resorption that occurs when teeth are missing, the natural appearance of the smile is preserved. With implant treatment, there is no compromise to adjacent teeth; they are not cut down to place a bridge, or loosened by the hooks on removable partials. Dentures and partials have the added disadvantage of accelerating the bone resorption process, which causes the appearance of premature aging.
WILL MY NEW TEETH LOOK NATURAL?
Your new replacement teeth will look, feel and function like natural teeth. And since implant treatment is the only solution that prevents bone resorption, which can cause your smile to look unnatural, the long term esthetics will be superior to any other treatment option.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT?
Nearly everyone who is missing one or more teeth and in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are very few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether. Quality and quantity of available bone for implant placement is more often a factor in qualifying for dental implants than medical conditions. However, even people who have lost a significant amount of bone can qualify for dental implant treatment with additional procedures to add bone or create new bone. Advances in this type of treatment have made it possible for most people who would not previously have been considered candidates to have successful implant treatment.
IS ANYONE EVER CONSIDERED TOO OLD FOR
DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Overall health and a desire to improve the quality of life are much more important considerations than age. When dental implants were first developed, back in the 1950's, implant supported replacement teeth were originally designed as a solution for older patients who were missing all of their teeth. Since then, many patients well into their nineties have had dental implant treatment without a single problem.
