Are you someone that enjoys life and loves to laugh but have been avoiding smiling and laughing altogether or even covering your mouth when you speak because you have lost one or more of your teeth and feel embarrassed or self-conscious? If you have lost any teeth, chances are that smiling and laughing are the least of your problems. Not only can missing teeth cause pain and discomfort, but those holes in your mouth can make it difficult to eat and speak as well.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, statistics show that nearly 70% of adults aged 35 to 44 years in the United States have at least one missing tooth due to an accident, tooth decay, gum disease, or dental fractures. When faced with this problem, many people turn to dentures, which can be uncomfortable themselves causing irritation and sores, but you also have to worry about slippage and movement when speaking and eating.

Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way since dentures, we now have dental implants. In most cases, dentists usually recommend dental implants vs. dentures these days. That being said, dentures are still a good option for people whose gums and jaw are weak or unhealthy, or for those who cannot afford the higher price of dental implants.

Dental implants provide several advantages. Not only does an implant replace your lost natural teeth but it also replaces some of the roots. This is beneficial because it provides a more natural look to the teeth, as well as a more natural bite and chew capacity, alleviating the worry of slippage. The root replacement is also advantageous because it preserves some of your jaw bone, the implant integrates with your bone, and tricks your body into thinking you still have teeth, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. When teeth are lost, the loss of bone can lead to recession of the jawbone and a collapsed, unattractive smile. Conventional dentures do not assist in preserving the jawbone at all.

Dental implants are a popular choice for people who have one or two missing teeth, but they can also be a good choice for people missing several or all teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are healthy, two or more implants can serve as a base of support for several replacement teeth.

dental implant


According to the procedure for implants is pretty straightforward. Typically, it takes a dentist and a surgeon working together to complete the surgery. First, implants, which look like screws, are placed into your gums and jaw. Second, during the next two to six months, the implants and bone are allowed to bond together to form anchors for the new artificial teeth. During this time, a temporary implant replacement option can be worn over the implant sites.

For many people, a second step is required to uncover the implants and attach extensions. These extensions are temporary healing caps, along with various connecting devices that allow multiple crowns to attach to the implants. This step completes the foundation for your new teeth to be placed. Typically, it takes a couple of weeks for your gums to heal following this procedure.

There are some one-stage implant systems that do not require the second “extension” step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension piece attached. Depending upon the number of implants placed, the connecting device that will hold your new teeth can be tightened down on the implant, or it may be clipped to a bar or a round ball anchor to which a new tooth snaps on and off.

Finally, your new teeth will be created for you and attached to small metal posts, called abutments, or the connecting device. Every case is different, and some of these steps can be combined when conditions permit. Your dental professional will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.

Success Rate

The success rate of dental implants varies, depending on where in the jawbone the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last up to 20 years, and for some people, even a lifetime. Because dental implants provide improved appearance, self-esteem, comfort, speech, oral health, durability and ease of eating, dentists are always recommending them when a patient is eligible.


Call us to schedule an appointment to determine if dental implants are a good choice for you!