A dental implant is a biocompatible, man-made substitute to replace missing tooth roots and is usually made of a space-age alloy of titanium. Dental Implants  come in various shapes and sizes to fit most tooth replacement applications. Most are cylinders placed into bone and allowed to heal undisturbed while bone heals around them, locking them in like an anchor. After a short period of time, the implants are used as a foundation for replacing the missing teeth.

Because of their design and proven efficacy, dental implants provide distinct advantages over other procedures.

1. There is no trimming of perfectly healthy teeth, as in the case of a bridge used to replace a missing tooth.
2. Implants can help stabilize and retain a denture, especially the full lower denture. In this regard, mini-implants are a very cost-effective way to hold the lower denture in place so that chewing and speaking are more effective.
3. When several teeth have been lost, they can anchor longer bridges or partial dentures.
4. With proper placement, good hygiene habits, and a sound medical history, implants can often outlast conventional bridges, and are more functionally efficient than dentures.
5. Dental implants have become the first choice to regain the "natural" look and feel of having your own teeth.

Over 30 million people in the U.S. have no teeth in one or both arches and most of them are unaware of what implant dentistry can do to improve their overall oral health and appearance. Tens of millions more have lost some teeth and implants can restore their chewing  function to the equivalent of someone with natural teeth.

Along with the restoration of lost chewing ability, dental implants can improve teeth appearance, end embarrassment, and give real self-confidence to patients who need them. They are a real breakthrough!  They are the most stable and best solution for missing teeth and this procedure is one that has been done repeatedly for years.

Today dental implants are the professions' preferred method of replacing missing teeth. Because of proven success, preservation of existing teeth, and no susceptibility to dental decay (cavities), dental implants are the answer to those who do not want removable dentures and partials.