Dental implants are a more permanent solution than dentures for replacing teeth.  For those who are wearing dentures, you are aware of the disadvantages of a non-permanent fixture.  Dentures can become unsteady causing inconveniences when eating and embarrassment when talking with others.  There are tapes, pastes and gels to have to worry about, in addition to the extra cleaning and worry of owning dentures. 

For those who are in generally good health and who do well at maintaining good oral health, there is the option of a dental implant.  Dental implants are permanent.  There are titanium posts that connect the replacement teeth to the actual jaw bone (not to adjacent teeth as in other methods).  These titanium rods are then screwed into their proper positions. 

The technology used for implants in the U.S. has been around for the past 30 years in other parts of the world.  Tested by time the success rate of dental implants is impressive at 98 percent for lower implants and 91 percent for upper implants.

Dental implants can be fitted to almost anyone who is able to care for their teeth in a routine method.  Dental implants can be used to replace anything from a single tooth to an entire arch of teeth.  Most people loose these teeth due to injury or disease.  Instead of having a removable bridge or denture consider the advantages that exist from having a dental implant

    A smile that is fixed by more permanent methods can contribute to better face support and less structural variability.
    Artificial teeth from an implant are very durable and will not likely need replacement during a person's lifetime (unless some injury or other damage is sustained).
    An implant will function much the same as your regular teeth.  Care for an implant is the same for implanted teeth as it is for other natural teeth.  This care includes brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.
    If you can have routine dental care you can successfully use implants.
    Artificial tooth roots used for permanent implants are stable, natural in appearance, and can be made to match the patient's remaining teeth. 

In addition to all of the above advantages to having a dental implant is one important factor.  That is that with an implant, teeth surrounding the replacement tooth are not used for support and are therefore uncompromised.  For dentures and other removable fixtures, adjacent teeth to the missing tooth are used for support.  Putting additional stress on these supporting teeth can weaken the area and cause even further dental damage. 

Of course the complexity of a dental implant will vary depending on the degree of damage that the patient wishes to have fixed permanently.  It is interesting to note that most people who choose to have a dental implant do so in addition to wearing conventional dentures.  More specifically a common use for dental implants is to have a permanent bridge supported by 2-4 metal posts in the lower jaw and a complete conventional denture for the upper jaw.

In conclusion, the reviews from those who have chosen to have dental reviews are generally positive.   The stability of the titanium posts and of having the artificial teeth implanted into the jaw provides a natural fit and function.  There is the piece of mind that your teeth are your own and you will never again have to worry about embarrassing denture slips or gaps in your smile.