Tooth Replacement in Focus: Statistics on Dental Implants

Compared to a few decades ago, dental implants look nothing like their predecessors. These days, the modern method of tooth replacement uses an artificial tooth “root” that is securely integrated into the bone of the jaw. Its shape and size mimics that of a natural tooth. Several years ago, it would have been a large plate or mesh piece that rested across half the mandible and required invasive surgical procedures.

Once stabilized, the modern dental implant can anchor anything from a single tooth crown to a multi-implant supported denture.

But what else is there to know behind this new-and-improved rehabilitative dental technique?

The Preferred Option

An estimated 3 million people in the United States have dental implants. This number is just the tip of the iceberg, as it grows rapidly year after year. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry suggests that there are half a million implants placed annually. That number is only expected to grow, as more people become open to the idea of this minimally invasive rehabilitative solution.

What used to be considered a procedure reserved for only select few cases is now the preferred treatment option for most adults with one or more missing teeth.

Here’s why. Dental implants…

· do not require the altering or reshaping of healthy, adjacent teeth the way a conventional dental bridge does

· are permanently affixed in place, meaning that a removable prosthesis can be avoided

· fall in alignment with the shape, color, and design of the surrounding natural teeth

· preserve healthy biting patterns, maintaining tooth placement and spacing

· eliminate the need for bulky prosthetics that interfere with speech or eating.

Overall Success Rates

It’s common knowledge among dentists that a well-placed and maintained dental implant is likely to have the highest success rate out of any other type of dental procedure. In fact, journals and other scientific literature suggest that implants have a 98% success rate. At that rate, the average dental implant patient can expect his or her investment to last for the rest of their life.

The key is to care for your implant as if it were a natural tooth: floss it daily, keep the gums around it healthy, and see your dentist for a checkup at least every six months.

Who They Impact

Nearly 1 out of every 2 adults is missing a tooth. Adults ages 20-64 are missing an average of 12 teeth (8 if you don’t count wisdom teeth). Around 3% of those individuals are missing all their teeth. Between the ages of 65-74, nearly 30% of adults are missing all their natural teeth.

While most of these individuals used to turn to an inexpensive, removable prosthetic, many are now seeing that a slightly larger investment up front can save them more money and dental visits in the future. That’s why it’s a smart decision for a healthy adult to opt for implants over a quick-fix appliance like a partial denture or multi-tooth bridge.

If you’re considering different ways to replace a missing tooth, dental implants are one of your very best options. Talk to a dental implant provider today to find out if you’re a candidate for treatment.