One of the more exciting developments in dentistry in the past few years has been the increased reliability and use of dental implants. Many dental implants are titanium cylinders used to replace missing roots. Implant cylinders are placed vertically in the jaw bone and then covered by the gums in a surgical procedure. The implants are generally left alone to allow for proper healing. After several months the bone grows to, and literally fuses to the implant. This "osseointegration" is possible because of unique properties of titanium. The lack of compatibility of bone to other implant materials used in the past accounted for their high failure rates.

Once an implant is firmly established in the bone, a metal post called an abutment, can be screwed into threads in the inside of the implant cylinder. These posts protrude through the gums and can be covered with a crown to give the appearance of a tooth. The protruding posts can also be use to stabilize a denture or other oral appliance.

The success of implants is heavily influenced by the thickness, density, and overall health of the bone into which they are placed as well as the patients overall health. When used in the appropriate circumstances, success rates can be as high as 95%.

There are numerous types of implants. Their use as well as alternative treatments for replacing missing teeth should be discussed with your dentist. Implants are often placed in the jaw bone by a specialist such as an oral surgeon or periodontist while the restorations placed over the implants are often done by general dentists or another specialist known as a prosthodontist.

Nick J. Tripodes, D.D.S. is a dentist in private practice in Pasadena, California.