Dental implants are today's best alternative to natural teeth. They allow you to function more normally than conventional dentures and bridges. They can be the foundation for greatly improved smiles and overall facial apperance.
Absolutely. The developmental phase of dental implantology ended more than two decades ago. Technology is always being improved, but research studies have clearly established the effectiveness of dental implants. All dental implants are manufactured from safe, biocompatible materials. All implant devices, dental as well as medical, are regulated by agencies of the federal government.
Dental implants can provide a level of self-confidence that dentures, bridges and conventional kinds of tooth replacement cannot. Eating, smiling and speaking are as normal as with natural teeth. The embarrassment, irritation and self-consciousness often experienced by people who wear dentures or who have suffered through older methods of tooth replacement are overcome with the confidence of permanently anchored dental implants. Today, for hundreds of thousands of people around the world, dental implants are a new-found souce of security and confidence in family, social and business activities.
Dental implants have been found to be beneficial for children, adults and the elderly. The procedure is often the foundation for substantially improved function and aesthetics in a variety of medical/dental situations. Whether for a single missing tooth or for replacement of all of a patient's teeth, dental implants are now recognized as a standard treatment for a full range of problems.
Because of the growing public awareness that implants can improve overall health and well-being, at any age, the use of dental implants has tripled since 1986. The availability of extensive data on the high rate of long-term success of these procedures has also added to increased use of implants for more and more people of every age.
Implants are artificial tooth roots that are anchored into or on top of the jaw bone. After an initial period of healing, they are used to secure first temporary and then final "teeth". The entire procedure from evaluation to completion will usually take anywhere from six to eighteen months. Every case is different and you should ask your dentist and staff members exactly what to expect. In the vast majority of cases, all the work is done in dental offices.
Remember, oral implantology is a "special area of interest" and can also be done by a team. Implantologists such as your dentist have extensive training and are continally being updated in the newest procedures, devices and materials through the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and other societies. Your dentist should direct how you can best be treated.
You can start today in this office by asking your dentist if you might be a candidate for implants. Your dentist will be happy to answer any questions you may have about implantology. As an active member of the ICOI, he is well-informed and dedicated to the highest level of professional care.