Missing molars? Avoid jawbone loss, anchor an implant

Implants anchor natural-looking artificial teeth, keep bone structure intact and are quickly becoming the treatment of choice for some patients who are a candidate for a single tooth replacement, reports the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

Research in the Jan./Feb. 2001 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed journal of the Academy, shows the public is becoming more aware of the benefits of dental implants; between 1983 and 1987 there was a tenfold increase in the number of dentists placing implants. Manufacturer's yearly sales have increased from a few million dollars to more than $175 million.

Yet, a percentage of adults who may be implant candidates do not have implants. Extractions are performed, bridges, partials or dentures are placed, and the patient goes home, with nary a thought about the jawbone underneath the newly extracted tooth.

"Many patients are unaware that bone loss in their jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth," says Julie Barna, DMD, MAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. "When that happens, over time, bone loss can cause facial changes, speech changes and diet changes." Successfully placed dental implants cause the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Dental implants can restore normal eating and speaking abilities, increase denture retention, and enhance facial appearance.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Each patient must:

• Have a comprehensive exam to determine if they are a candidate
• Be in good health
• Have healthy gums
• Have adequate bone structure
• Have excellent oral hygiene habits
• Maintain regular dental visits.

• 40 percent of denture wearers have worn the same device for more than 10 years, which accelerates bone loss
• Survival rates of dental implants and devices for single tooth replacement range from a low of 94.6 percent to a high of 100 percent for nearly seven years
• Patients spend more than $145 million annually for denture adhesive
• Dental implants can withstand 450 lbs per square inch of biting pressure; dentures wearers often take up to no more than 50 lbs per square inch ·
• Because a minimum of five dental appointments are required to place an implant, every U.S. dentist would need 20 appointments every month for 20 years in order to treat and place support devices in the current population of those patients who are missing teeth