Dental implants have changed the face of dentistry over the last 25 years. Despite improvement in dental care, tooth loss is common; mostly due to tooth decay, gingivitis, or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Today, dental implants can take the place of missing teeth.

A dental implant is a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are in the jawbone and are not visible once surgically placed. They secure crowns, bridgework, or dentures. Implant dentistry requires expertise in planning, surgery and tooth restoration. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device. There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance
• Improved speech and comfort
• Easier eating
• Improved self-esteem and oral health
• Durability
• Convenience

It takes a dental team to assess and plan dental implant placement and restoration – the fabrication of the crowns, bridgework, or dentures that attach atop the implants and are visible in your mouth. The dental team at Hanson Dentistry consists of a dental surgical specialist, a restorative dentist who plans and places the tooth restorations, and a dental laboratory technician who fabricates them. Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%, depending on where the implants are in the jaw. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.