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According to the American College of Prosthodontists there are 178 million Americans missing at least one tooth. 35 million of those adults are missing all of their teeth. Having all of your teeth missing used to mean that you had to wear dentures, but not anymore. Now more people than ever are using dental implants for missing teeth because of how reliable, safe and effective the procedure is.

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

Implants use artificial tooth roots that are anchored into the jaw just like natural teeth. They are made out of titanium, which is often used for procedures like joint replacements because of how well the body accepts the material. In fact, your jaw will usually begin to form new bone around an implant once it is placed - fixing it permanently into your mouth.

When you take care of your implants, they can last for the rest of your life. Most have a success rate greater than 97%, making the procedure the most reliable type of restoration used in modern dentistry!

Not only do implants improve your bone quality, they’re beneficial to your smile because they are:

• Easy to care for. Just brush and floss them like real teeth
• The most “natural” type of tooth replacement available
• Beneficial to your facial profile, preventing sunken lips and cheeks
• Non-invasive to neighboring teeth

How Many Teeth Can You Replace?

You can use dental implants for missing teeth regardless of how many need to be replaced. Single implants can support porcelain crowns, or you can use two implants to support a multi-tooth dental bridge. If you need to replace all of your teeth at one time, implant-supported dentures offer increased comfort and reliability compared to their larger, removable counterparts.

Choosing an Implant Dentist

Most dentists restore dental implants (that is, provide the crown or bridge that goes on top of them), but not all dentists actually place them. If you want all your treatment to be completed in one place, you will need to find a dental practice that provides both the surgical implant placement as well as the restorative phases.

The best implant dentist will use advanced techniques and technology to place your implant in a way so that it heals faster and can be restored as soon as possible. Depending on the healing time involved, it may take up to six months between the actual placement of the implant and when the permanent restoration can be installed.

When to Call Your Dentist

If you’re considering getting dental implants for missing teeth, your first step should be to schedule a consultation with your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for the procedure. Plan enough time for a brief exam, x-rays, and possibly a series of dental impressions so your dentist can fully determine whether or not implants are right for your unique needs. Your insurance may even cover a portion of your treatment.

Call your dentist today to find out if implants are the best tooth replacement option for your smile!