So What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant can be thought of as a new root made of pure titanium.  Titanium is the same material used in medicine for hip replacements and is very strong and highly biocompatible.  Implants made of titanium cannot decay and do not require root canal therapy. An advantage of implants is that they stimulate bone growth and thus prevent future bone loss.  Once bone disappears, unfortunately, it can only be replaced with a bone graft.

Implants are placed in the bone on the first clinical appointment and are allowed to heal for a period of three to six months. After this healing time the implants are examined to ascertain their osteo-integration, or degree of fusion to the bone. The implant then can be prepared to accept the final prosthetic components.

Once a dental implant is placed, the implant can be used to hold a crown or used as an anchor for a dental bridge. Implants can be even used with other implants and retainers to support, retain, or even completely replace dentures.

Multiple implants can also be used to replace teeth in a variety of ways. Please refer to our Report entitled “Implant Alternatives to Dentures” for further information.

Low Success Rates for Non-Implant Alternatives

5 % Year Success Rates

• Removable Denture                            83%
• Resin Bonded Bridge                         64%
• Conventional Bridge                           79.3%
• Implant Supported Prosthesis             98%

(Misch C.E, J. Implantology, Vol. 2 1999)

*10 Year success rate for partial dentures diminishes to 50%!

• What are dental implants?
• Wheaton Man who Did Not Want a Partial Denture of Denture–Dental Implants
• Dental Implants Vs. Dental Bridges–Pro & Cons of Dental Implants
• Should I save My Teeth? Dental Implants, Bone Loss, and Smiles
• Dental Implants & Dental Bridges-Cosmetic Comfortable Choices