The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are small dental appliances surgically inserted into both the upper and lower jaws to replace one or more missing or diseased teeth.^{1, 2} Today more and more people are choosing dental implants over removable dentures or fixed bridges.^{1, 2} That’s largely because dentures and bridges have several disadvantages. For example, bridges can affect nearby healthy teeth, and dentures may cause bone loss in the area where the teeth are missing.¹

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several advantages over dentures and bridges for people who want to replace their missing, diseased, or decayed teeth. For example, dental implants:

• Stay in place—they don’t slip or cause clicking sounds when you eat or speak¹

• Help with proper chewing²

• Promote “denture self-confidence,” as speech and appearance are often improved²

• Do not need to be removed each night for soaking and cleaning and do not require adhesives to keep them in place^{1, 2}

• Do not need to be replaced every seven to 15 years^{1, 2}

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots and can be used in both the upper and lower jaws.¹ Resembling screws, they are made from a metal called titanium and other materials that are safe for use in the human body.¹ A dental professional surgically attaches the implants to the jawbone and gum tissue.² The implants then can be used as an anchor for dental crowns, or artificial replacement teeth.^{2, 3}

Patients who are in good health and have healthy gums and adequate bone to support implants are usually considered candidates for dental implants.² If you are self-conscious about your missing, diseased, or decayed teeth, ask your dental professional if dental implants are a good option for you.

¹ “Dental Implants.” American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php Accessed 2010.

² “Dental Implants: An option for replacing missing teeth.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_47.pdf Accessed 2010.

³ “Dental Implants FAQ’s.” American Academy of Implant Dentistry. www.aaid-implant.org/patients_and_public/Benefits_of_Dental_Implants.html