Missing A Tooth? Dental Implants Provide Another Option

Missing A Tooth? Dental Implants Provide Another Option
April 29, 2005
WXII12.com
If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be concerned about your appearance or have trouble eating foods you once enjoyed.
In the past, dentures or bridgework were the only options. But they can be messy and uncomfortable.
Now, patients are opting for a more permanent solution: dental implants.
Latisha Davis was a struggling college student when she started having problems with a tooth. A dentist gave her two options -- an expensive root canal or having the tooth pulled.
After having it pulled but realizing how difficult it was to eat, she decided to try a dental implant.
"The implant, I love it," she told WXII 12 News. "I don't know that I don't have a regular tooth except for the fact that I remember getting it put in."
The dental implant involves a single manmade tooth that's screwed directly into the bone.
"It's made of titanium and when you place it there, the bone grows against the implant," said dentist Dr. Andrew Kelly. "And it basically grows around it like a tooth."
Kelly said implants are a better alternative than partials, bridge work or dentures because they are permanent.
"It allows the denture to be anchored so it doesn't move," Kelly said. "It eliminates the need for the gooey adhesives that are needed for dentures."
Implants look natural and last longer -- up to 17 years compared to 7-10 years for bridge work or dentures.
They cost about $3,000 and part of the cost may be covered by insurance.