Dental implants may serve as substitutes for natural tooth roots that rely on your jaw bone for support. They are considered safe and effective to support dentures or to replace individual teeth and bridges.

Implants are not new. Ancient Egyptians and Incans filled in missing teeth with carved jade, sapphire and ivory "teeth." Dental implant science and technology have improved greatly over the last 40 years, and implants are becoming more popular. Tens of thousands are placed each year.

How do implants work?
Implants are made of a special metal that is compatible with the jaw bone. The metal is a type that helps the bone fuse with the implant.

An implant is a small post that protrudes from the gum tissue. The number used depends on each patient's needs. Prosthetic teeth are attached to these posts. Two major types of implants are endosseous, which are placed in the jaw bone; and subperiosteal, which are fitted directly over the jaw bone, under the gums. An implant can replace one tooth or several missing teeth.

Who places dental implants?
Any dentist who has had comprehensive training in surgical and prosthetic components can perform implants. General dentists and oral surgeons place most implants.

Your general family dentist is the team leader who coordinates implant care with dental specialists. Members of your implant team will evaluate you to decide if you are a good candidate, where to place the implant and which type to use. Then the implant may be placed by the dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist.

How many appointments are needed?
Implant placement is a surgical procedure that takes up to three visits over a minimum of three to six months. Most implants include two surgeries. The first surgery includes implanting new metal "roots" inside the bone. After the new roots are placed and you have had plenty of time to heal, the dentist attaches abutments (metal posts) into the roots. The abutments will be used to attach prosthetic teeth.

How soon may I begin using my newly implanted teeth?
Once your implants have been completed, you may immediately start using them. Most people find that eating, talking and their general disposition is better than having conventional dentures.

How long do implants last?
Implants have an average 95 percent success rate. You can prolong the life of your implants and overall oral health by taking proper care of your implants and gums. Brushing, flossing and rinsing is essential with implants. Failing to care properly for implants can lead to gum inflammation, bone loss and will shorten your implants lifespan.

How do I care for implants?
Several types of toothbrushes are required for implants. The typical toothbrush -- interproximal brushes -- is a must to get between tooth spaces. These brushes come in manual and mechanical, battery-operated styles.

End-tufted brushes bent at an angle may be used to cleanse underneath and behind your implant prosthesis. A toothbrush with a bent angle may be used for hard-to-reach areas. Always use brushes with nylon coating and discard when the nylon becomes worn.

Avoid scratching metal attachments and other prosthetic parts of your implants. Don’t use brushes that have exposed metal wire. Also, don’t use hard brushes, safety pins, paper clips, and other metal objects to clean implants.

If your implant prosthesis is removable, take it out and thoroughly brush it. Be sure to thoroughly brush implant and gums while the prosthesis is removed.

Since implanted teeth are typically bonded together, you can't slip dental floss between tooth spaces. Instead, thread the floss around the implant abutments. This may be tricky due to limited space, so practice patiently. Floss threaders are available at drugstores to assist in this technique.