5 Things You Need to Know About Dental Implants

1. Fill a Gap With a Dental Implant

If you lost a tooth and aren't ready for a bridge or the tooth is in the back of the mouth and a bridge is not a viable solution, then a dental implant may be just what the dentist ordered. Dental implants are a form of cosmetic dentistry that uses a prosthesis. A metal screw inserted into the jawbone forms an anchor to which the prosthetic tooth attaches.

2. Most People Qualify

Patients with missing teeth whose health is relatively good are candidates for a dental implant. At one time, lack of bone in the jaw stopped the procedure. Today, bone grafts create the additional bone necessary. Even if you have none of your teeth, you are still a candidate for dental implants, although most of the time they replace bridges or a partial.

3. Location, Location, Location

Just like real estate, the location of the implant affects the rate of success. Implants in the front don't receive the abuse that the back teeth receive and they have a high success rate, between 90 to 100 percent. The teeth in the back portion of the mouth have a lower rate of success primarily due to the heavy workout and difficulty cleaning the area. Smokers have a lower rate of successful implants than non-smokers. Children are not candidates except in very specific situations.

4. Problems Do Occur

The area of the implant may not grow in and hold the screw. Just as a normal tooth, the implant area is subject to periodontal disease if not kept clean. Infection of the area and the surrounding bone is a possibility. There is a small possibility of damage to the jaw or sinus cavitities. An break or loosening is possible for an implant, just like a crown. A strong bite and bruxism create problems with the dental implant. Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend smoking cessation to insure a better result with dental implants.

5. The Good News

New coatings for the titanium screw stimulate bone regeneration. Some of the research shows this is far superior to previous plain metal. Dental implants remain in place much better than bridges or dentures. They resemble regular teeth and usually are undetectable. Implants fit into the longer life span that Americans enjoy. The implants are still relatively pricey and may be as much as $2000 or more for a single tooth. Check with a dentist that specializes in this area to get the best results.