A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of metallic or ceramic materials that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to anchor a replacement tooth or bridge. The implant procedure takes up to nine months to complete and involves surgery to insert the implant followed by a healing period. Proper oral hygiene is important for ensuring the long-term success of dental implants, which have a success rate of around 95% for front teeth and 85% for back teeth.

1. What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial diseases, such as diabetes, the
tooth root (synthetic material) that is success rate for implants
surgically anchored into your jaw to decreases dramatically.
hold a replacement tooth or bridge Additionally, people who smoke
in place. The benefit of using or drink alcohol may not be good
implants is that they don't rely on candidates.
neighboring teeth for support, they
are permanent and stable. Implants
What can I expect during this
are a good solution to tooth loss
procedure?
because they look and feel like
The dentist must perform surgery
natural teeth.
to anchor the "artificial root" into
Implant material is made from
or on your jaw bone. The
different types of metallic and bone-
procedure is done in the dental
like ceramic materials that are
office with local anesthesia.
compatible with body tissue. There
Medications may be prescribed for
are different types of dental How do I care for implants? Is my dentist trained in implant
soreness.
implants: the first is placed directly Your overall health may affect the therapy?
into the jaw bone, like natural tooth success rate of dental implants. Poor Dentists who have received
roots; the second is used How long does the process take? oral hygiene is a big reason why training through an extensive
when the jaw structure is limited, The process can take up to nine some implants fail. It is important to program can complete this
therefore, a custom made metal months to complete. Technology, floss and brush around the fixtures procedure. Your dentist may
framework fits directly on the however, is trying to decrease the at least twice a day, without metal perform the procedure or consult
existing bone. healing time involved. Each patient objects. Your dentist will give you with a team of dental health
heals differently, so times will specific instructions on how to care specialists to produce the result
vary. After the screws and posts are for your new implants. Additional discussed with you. Ask your
Can anyone receive dental placed surgically, the healing cleanings of up to four times per dentist questions about his or her
implants? process can take up to six months year may be necessary to ensure that training in implant therapy.
Talk with your dentist about and the fitting of replacement teeth you retain healthy gums.
whether you are an implant no more than two months.
candidate. You must be in good
Created March 1999
health and have the proper bone
What is the cost of implants? Sources: "Dental implants: Are they
structure and healthy gums for the What is the success rate of Since implants involve surgery and for me?", Quintessence Books,
implant to stay in place. People implants? are more involved, they cost more 1993; Compendium, September 1997;
who are unable to wear dentures The success rate for implants Journal of American Dental Association,
than traditional bridge work.
may also be good candidates. If depends on the tooth's purpose August1998; American Academy of Implant
However, some dental procedures
you suffer from chronic problems, and location in the mouth. The and portions of the restoration may Dentistry; American Academy of Implant
such as clenching or bruxism, or success rate is about 95 percent Prosthodontics; Consumer Reports.
be covered by dental and medical
systemic for those placed in the front of the insurance policies. Your dentist
lower jaw and 85 percent for can help you with this process.
those placed in the sides and rear
of the upper jaw.
This information was compiled for General Dentistry. Your dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by
belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry. As one of the 35,000 general dentists in the United Sates and Canada who are member of the Academy, your dentists
participates in an ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances in the profession and to provide quality patient
treatment. Visit the AGD’s website at www.agd.org. You have permission to photocopy this page and distribute it to your patients.