If you are somone who would like to speak, smile and eat again with great confidence and comfort, maybe it's time for you to throw out your dentures and consider getting dental implants.  Dental implants look and feel natural, you may never be reminded that you got a dental implant.  By using the implants properly and having the procedure with a reliable and certified periodontist, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Artificial tooth replacements used to solve the issue of tooth loss are called dental implants. Dental implants are categorized as a form of artificial replacement (prosthetics) dentistry - almost a form of cosmetic dentistry.  This is why some people consider dental implants as a vanity and not as a solution.

These days, there are a number of ways to treat missing teeth, however, none has been proven to be durable and effective as implants. Dental implants are used to restore necessary supporting structures of the teeth and functionality as required.

Teeth are lost for so many reasons. It may be caused by:

· Tooth decay

· Root canal failure

· Congenital defects

· Trauma to the mouth

· Periodonitis

· Excessive wear and tear

Tooth loss can cause biting irregularities which can have a bad effect on a person's eating habit and can lead to health problems such as malnutrition. Dental implants are definitely a great way to provide a remedy for any type of problem caused by tooth loss - and it is already proven to be effective.

Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are much stronger and durable. Dental implants provides a permanent remedy to tooth loss.  Another advantage of dental implants is that it may also be used together with other restorative procedures to acquire maximum effectiveness. A single dental implant can be made to support a crown in the replacement of a missing tooth. Dental implants can also be used to provide a dental bridge for replacing multiple missing teeth. They can also be used with dentures to provide more stability and to reduce irritation of the gum tissue.

One must also remember that dentists are not required to have a specific license for them to perform dental implants. A bridge and crown placement in conjunction with implant restoration can be performed by a general or restorative dentist.  However, the person who will complete this crucial procuder should be a prosthodontist.

In general, dental implants are used to:

· Provide support for dentures, making it more comfortable and durable

· Support bridges and to eliminate the need for a partial denture

· Replace single or multiple teeth without affecting bordering teeth

There are different types of dental implants being used these days:

The Endosteal is considered as the most common type of dental implant being used. Screws, blades or cylinders are surgically set into the jawbone. Each of the implant holds a single or multiple prosthetic teeth. Endosteal implant is mostly used as an alternative for those people with removable dentures or bridges.

Subperiosteal is another type of dental implant. The implants are normally set on top of the jaw and its metal framework's posts are protruding through the gum for it to hold the prosthesis. This kind of dental implant are best for people who are unable to wear dentures and have a minimal bone height.