According to the Academy of General Dentistry:
Implants anchor natural-looking artificial teeth, keep bone structure intact, and are quickly becoming the treatment of choice for some patients who are candidates for single-tooth replacement. Many patients are unaware that bone loss in their jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth. Over time, bone loss can cause facial changes, speech changes, and diet changes. Successfully placed dental implants cause the hone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Dental implants can restore normal eating and speaking abilities, increase denture retention, and enhance facial appearance.

What exactly are dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (synthetic material) that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they donÕt rely on neighboring teeth for support; they are permanent and stable. They are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. The dentist must perform surgery to anchor the Òartificial rootÓ into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in the dental office with local anesthesia. Medications may be prescribed for soreness. The process can take up to nine months to complete, depending mostly on healing time. After the screws and posts are placed, the healing process can take up to six months, with the fitting of replacement teeth usually requiring no more than two months.

The success rate for implants depends on the toothÕs purpose and location in the mouth. The success rate is about 95% for those placed in the front of the lower jaw and 85% for those placed in the sides and rear of the upper jaw. Caring for the implants revolves mainly around regular daily flossing and brushing, as well as additional cleanings as necessary to ensure that you retain healthy gums. Since implants involve surgery and are more involved, they cost more than traditional bridgework. However, some dental procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Your dentist can help you with this process.

Who are candidates for dental implants?
Each patient must have a comprehensive exam to determine candidacy. They must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone structure, have excellent oral hygiene habits, and maintain regular dental visits. Patients who suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes may have a dramatically decreased success rate. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates.

Statistics
40% of denture wearers have worn the same device for more than 10 years, which accelerates bone loss. Survival rates of dental implants and devices for single-tooth replacement range from a low of 94.6% to a high of 100% over nearly seven years.

Patients spend more than $145 million annually for denture adhesive. Dental implants can withstand 450 pounds per square inch of biting pressure; denture wearers often take up to no more that 50 pounds per square inch.

Academy of General Dentistry, http://www.agd.org/consumer/topics/implants/main.asp, 3/8/2005.