What are Implants?
Dental implants are metal anchors placed in the jaw bone underneath the gum tissue to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Unlike other types of tooth replacements, such as removable dentures or fixed bridges that are cemented to remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed ("implanted") into the jaw bone under the gum tissue. These implants are usually made from a space-age metal called titanium, which is readily accepted by the body, and artificial teeth that look like natural teeth are then attached to the implants. Due to a phenomenon known as "osteointegration" meaning that bone actually attaches itself to the implant, these anchors provide a strong foundation that allows people with missing teeth to chew efficiently and comfortably.

Who needs Implants?
Anyone who is missing teeth and can benefit from increased chewing efficiency, and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate for dental implants. Implants can be the solution when it has become difficult or impossible to wear a removable denture. Portions of the jaw that are missing due to an accident, disease, or birth defect can often be reconstructed using implants.

Am I a candidate for Implants?
You are a candidate if:

* you have enough jaw bone, and dense enough bone, to secure the implants  In certain cases, artificial bone grafting might be done, in order to replace missing bone.
* you do not have a disease or condition that interferes with proper healing after implant surgery (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, or radiation/chemotherapy for treating cancer)

A discussion with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon and restorative dentist (the dentist who will make your new teeth) will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. As a rule, age is not a barrier to implant treatment if you are in good health turning to dental implants to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or all teeth.