Are Dental Implants New?
Although the technology is new, dental implants were used thousands of years ago by the early Egyptians. Mummies unearthed by archaeologist show evidence of this.

Today, about a million people worldwide are using this technology that is better and more aesthetically pleasing than conventional dentures or bridges. You too, can benefit from the exciting field of implant dentistry.

Are All Dental Implants The Same?
Dental implants come in many shapes and sizes to suit your needs. Most, however, are based on the technique developed by Swedish orthopedist Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark more than 30 years ago.

In the 1950s, Branemark accidentally discovered that titanium could integrate into living bone and act as a support for new teeth. He treated his first patient in 1965 and that implant is still functioning well today.

Branemark's technique, which is called osseointegration or the enodosseus titanium screw system, is the basis of most modern implants. It involves implanting artificial teeth with use of tiny screws or abutments attached to the jawbone. This method can be used to replace an entire set of teeth or one or more missing molars.

Is It Painful to HaveE DentalL Implants?
The pain is minimal compared to the many benefits you will receive. With dental implants, there's no limit to what you can do. You will look better, speak with confidence, and regain your appetite. Foods that were once impossible to eat because of dentures can now be chewed with ease.

Compared to dentures or bridges, dental implants won't irritate your gums, cause pain and there is no need to destroy healthy adjacent teeth to attach them. Depending on your condition, dental implants may be removable or permanently fixed to your jawbone like real teeth so they won't slip or fall out.

What's a more, dental implant help prevent the erosion of the jawbone which normally follows the loss of teeth. Your appearance won't change but your life will. You'll be comfortable and more confident. The best part is you'll be able to smile naturally again.

Are Dental Implants Safe?
Unlike dentures which are foreign to your mouth, dental implants are made of titanium which is compatible with natural bone. Titanium cylinders are implanted in the upper or lower jawbone in a dentist's office. Extensions or abutments are later screwed into the cylinders to serve as an anchor for artificial teeth. The whole process can take weeks or months but there's no need to worry as long as you see a professional implantologist and follow his instructions carefully.

Are You Fit Enough to Get a DentalL Implant?
Your dentist can decide whether you can get a dental implant. The things to consider, among others, are the health of your gums and if you have enough jawbone in which to place the implant. In general, the procedure can be done in anyone who has a tooth extracted. Thus, if you are in good health and have one or more missing teeth, you're probably a good candidate for dental implants.