When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the most popular option.

While our teeth are designed to last a lifetime, there are many times in which a tooth can struggle to stay alive and healthy. Teeth that are severely decayed, damaged or infected may need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon.

Just like other fields of dentistry, implant dentistry continues to advance and evolve with each decade. New materials, techniques and technology offer ways to make dental implants more successful than ever before. Developments include innovations within each component of a dental implant, which include the implant itself, the abutment and the prosthetic restoration (crown, bridge or denture).

Many patients falsely assume that just one missing tooth is not immediate cause for action, especially if it is out of sight and in the back of the mouth. The truth is that all missing teeth need to be replaced. Even a single missing tooth can cause serious drawbacks to your oral health, including decreased jawbone density, loss of gum tissue, shifting teeth and more missing teeth in some cases.

Without question, dental implants are the superior solution in the realm of restorative dentistry. Dental implants offer the distinct ability to anchor a prosthetic tooth or teeth into the jawbone – just like a real tooth! This allows a number of valued advantages in stability and helps patients eat, laugh and speak with full confidence.

If you have decided to move forward with dental implants to replace your missing teeth, it is critical that you start with a healthy foundation. In order for an implant to be successful, it must have adequate and healthy support from surrounding bone and tissues. The healing stage after implant surgery is one of the most important steps in the entire process.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, each patient has a unique set of circumstances and needs. Thankfully, modern restorative dentistry offers a variety of options to ensure everyone has an opportunity to regain a complete and confident smile. In terms of dental implants, there are different types to meet different needs. Dental implants can vary in size. They come in standard and mini forms. How do you know which type of implant is best for you? Here’s some information to help guide you.

Each stage of life presents unique dental health challenges. The aging adult is not excluded. In fact, seniors are at risk for some very specific dental problems, including those that can sabotage your dental implants. Just because you have replacement teeth doesn’t mean you are exempt from the oral health problems that commonly plague the aging adult.

Dental implants serve the sole purpose of replacing teeth that are missing. This includes teeth that were lost due to disease, decay or trauma, as well as teeth that may not have been present when you were born. Your mouth is composed of 32 teeth. Besides your 4 wisdom teeth, you need all of the others to be present to achieve ideal alignment, function and appearance within your smile.

Adults aren’t the only ones who can lose a permanent tooth. Children can experience tooth loss during accidental trauma or other situations. However, when it comes to replacing that missing tooth, dental implants may not be the immediate solution. While it is rare to say someone is too old for dental implants, it is possible to be too young.