Tooth loss leads to additional consequences which may only hurt one's health. Traditionally we have replaced teeth with removable dentures or possibly with fixed dentures which are cemented to adjacent teeth. When possible, there is now an even better alternative, dental implants.
Your typical dental implant is basically an artificial root made out of titanium and placed into the bone. That's it. On top of these artificial roots or implants we attach teeth. Most commonly we see one tooth replaced by one implant and the tooth or crown attached to it. Three teeth can easily be replaced with two implants and often we replace one's whole upper or lower teeth on top of as few as four or five implants. One can use just two implants and give a lower removable denture unbelievable stability and retention.
Patients worry about the discomfort involved with implant placement. The truth is that there is really no discomfort during placement and rarely any reported discomfort afterwards. Your dentist might suggest "mini implants" which are even easier to place. They are classified as "mini" only because they are smaller, but often "mini implants" work better for a particular patient especially when simply anchoring a denture.
Costs of implants have come down and even compare with traditional tooth replacement options. Most dentists offer implant treatment whether they place the implants themselves or refer to specialists for implant placement or they may do both as we do in our office. If you are missing a tooth or you'd like to replace a denture that you do not like or may not even wear, talk to your dentist. Dental implants can be a magical way to stay healthy!
