Dental implants are fast becoming America’s preferred solution for a missing tooth – or even as a replacement for a full-set of teeth. Implants are solid and stable, and act very much like the natural teeth we were born with. They actually look and feel like natural teeth as well.

Although there are a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective or durable as dental implants. In most cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice to restore the necessary tooth function of eating and speaking and smiling with confidence.

There are many reasons for tooth loss yet there is a big chance that dental implants can offer the ideal solution. The root of the lost tooth is replaced by a titanium post and then a crown (artificial tooth) is secured to that post. There is no wobble or movement. The implant acts and feels just like a regular tooth. And no one will ever know the difference.

After more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants first placed by dental surgeons in the United States continue to still function at peak performance.

Exactly What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a replacement for a missing natural tooth root. The titanium implant post is anchored into the jawbone, allowing a natural looking artificial tooth to be attached. The anchor stimulates the growth of new bone, bonding the implant firmly in place. The final result is a remarkably strong, stable tooth that looks just like a natural tooth.

Dental Implants Outperform Dentures And Bridges
Just a few years ago, patients only had two options for missing teeth – dentures and fixed bridges. But neither offered a permanent solution. Dentures aren’t “set” and therefore move when patients are eating or talking. Not only can this be an embarrassment, but also substantial bone loss can occur since no root is affixed into the jawbone (bone resorption). Fixed bridges often adversely affect the healthy adjacent teeth.

People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants can provide scientifically proven results.

Same Day Teeth—An Evolution In Implant Dentistry
As implant science continues to advance, the concept of Same Day Teeth has proven popular with patients. Usually there’s a three to six month integration period whereby the titanium post fuses with the jawbone. However, Same Day Teeth can be completed in just one office visit. Patients who have lost a front tooth are especially excited about the prospects of having the procedure completed in such a short time. Dr. Locante has been at the forefront of research and practice of the Same Day procedures.

Anatomy Of A Dental Implant
A dental implant is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown (permanent tooth), which fits onto the abutment for a natural looking appearance.

When a missing tooth is replaced by a dental implant, the fusion, or osseointegration, of the implant and bone provides stability, just as the natural tooth did, which is a major component of the jawbone solidity.

If several teeth are missing in the same area, patients can still enjoy the confidence and lifestyle benefits that are produced by dental implants. The dentist will place two or more dental implants, depending on the number of teeth that are missing. The new replacement teeth will then be attached to the implants to establish excellent function and prevent bone loss. The dental implants will serve as a stable support that tightly locks into the replacement teeth.

With an overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.