The loss of one or more permanent teeth, due to trauma or decay, is increasingly common. Dental implants offer a permanent solution.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are commonly mistaken as transplants. There is a key difference. A transplant uses actual teeth from a donor, while implants are crafted from synthetic material. They offer a permanent solution to tooth loss by replacing missing teeth. They consist of two parts: a screw—usually titanium—that is placed in the jaw bone, and a restoration placed on the screw that matches the appearance and function of the other surrounding teeth.

Why would I need a dental implant?
It’s important for your health to replace missing teeth, as leaving gaps can lead to serious issues such as increased bone loss, abnormal bite, and eventual loss of additional teeth. Teeth can be lost for reasons such as gum disease, trauma, decay, and congenital defects.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
As long as there is enough bone available to support the implant, and no disease is present that will deteriorate the bone over a period of time, most people are candidates for dental implants. Unlike some other tooth replacement procedures, there is no minimum or maximum age. There are some serious health issues that may (but not necessarily) disqualify you from being considered for dental implants. These include recent chemotherapy, bone marrow cancer, low sinuses, uncontrolled diabetes and smoking. Your dentist will perform a full oral health exam to determine your candidacy. Be sure to discuss any concerns that you may have.