Dental implants are an alternative to the denture. Basically they are small braces that are inserted in the upper and lower jaw in order to help restore the mouth that has little or no tooth restorable. Dental implants are gradually replacing the false teeth used by some people because it provides many advantages over traditional dentures.

For some people who have either weak or poorly denture adjusted due to flat edges, or who have lost several teeth and needing support for crowns and bridges, implants can be considered as the most appropriate alternative to fix the appearance that give teeth missing. According to the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics, implants help:

   Reduce the movement of dentures, bridges and/or crowns.
   Provide adequate mastication.
   Give support and stability for improved removable or fixed dentures.
   Closer to the "feel" of natural teeth better than dentures.
   Promote "self-esteem" thanks to the advantages of a denture.

  CANDIDATES FOR IMPLANTS:

There are soome variables and issues that must be considered before placing an implant:

   A healthy patient.
   Capabilities of healing to some disease.
   A proper diagnosis before placing.
   Both, placement and technique are specific to each candidate.
   Treat implants in appropriate manners to avoid complications.
   Smoking and drinking in large quantities can affect the implants.

On the other hand, according to the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics, there are also some risks that could be occasionated to the patient because of the implants are made of biologically compatible materials that have undergone extensive tests over a period of several years.

Since these materials are largely metals, such as titanium, and have never been living tissue, there is the likelihood of causing an antigen-antibody response that could cause some kind of rejection.