Some people lose teeth due to injury, tooth decay, or periodontal disease (infection of the gums and bone surrounding teeth). Others may not have had all their teeth grow in.

When a person is missing teeth, one may not feel comfortable eating or speaking. He or she might even avoid smiling in public. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in your mouth. They are the closest thing to looking and feeling like natural teeth.


A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root. Your jawbone fuses with the implant to provide a secure platform for a prosthesis (artificial tooth). If you are missing many teeth, several implants can be used to support a partial or complete denture.

Working Together

While your periodontist may put in the implant, a prosthodontist or general dentist will place the prosthesis over the implant when it has healed long enough.


Depending on your dental needs, total treatment time for implants can range from anywhere from several months to a year or more. Without a strong commitment from you, implants are less likely to be successful. For best results, be prepared to:

• Keep all your appointments.
• Take good care of your mouth during the implant process.
• Commit to a lifetime of good oral hygiene.
• Have dental checkups and cleanings as recommended.
• Contact team members immediately if you notice any problems.

For more information on this subject , please visit our links to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA) websites or contact one of our members in your area.