If lack of care or trauma has resulted in tooth loss, patients can take comfort in knowing options exist for them. Providing there is enough bone, implants can replace missing teeth. An ideal solution for people who have a missing tooth or teeth, dental implants replace both the tooth and the root. Versatile, strong and natural-looking, dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or a number of teeth. The result is better dental health which creates a comfortable bite, easier chewing and reduces the load on remaining natural teeth. This enhances aesthetics and improves speech.

Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, dental implants are long-term replacements biologically fused to the jawbone. The implant, sometimes called a post or cylinder, serves as the root of the missing tooth. It is surgically implanted in the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. An abutment, or extension, is attached on top of the metal cylinder. Finally, a realistic-looking artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the abutment or a one-piece implant can be placed ready for an immediate crown.

Dental implants never slip or make embarrassing noises advertising the fact you have “false teeth,” and they never decay like teeth anchoring fixed bridges. For some people, ordinary dentures are simply not comfortable or possible due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. In addition, ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An advantage of implants is that no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold your new replacement tooth/teeth in place.

If you are missing several teeth in the same area of your mouth, you may still be a candidate for dental implants. For example, if you were missing six front teeth, two implants could be placed supporting six teeth bonded in a bridge.  No more removable appliance! Your replacement teeth would be attached to the implants to allow excellent function and prevent bone loss. The implants would serve as a stable support, tightly locking into your replacement teeth to prevent slipping and bone loss. With an overall success rate of 95 to 98 percent and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option.

To receive implants, you must commit to keeping them healthy. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to their long-term success. Older adults have similar implant success rates compared with younger people. Your periodontist can restore healthy gums and adequate bone to support implants. You are never too old to restore a healthy, happy smile.

Kitsie Hendrix, D.D.S. - Dr. Hendrix graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry, subsequently earning certification in periodontology from the University of Pennsylvania. A periodontist,  Hendrix specializes in gum and dental implant surgery and has practiced for over 27 years.  Passionate about people, Hendrix has traveled worldwide providing free dental care through mission work.