In the mid 1950s, a historically significant event occurred that would lead to one of the biggest revolutions in dentistry. A material was found - titanium - that would actually adhere to bone. And as boring and mundane as this might sound to your average reader, this was actually huge news in the medical/dental world, and would eventually form the entire foundation of modern implant dentistry.

"So what?" you might ask. "After all, it's not as if teeth couldn't be replaced before this time. There are always bridges or partial dentures." This is true, and there are still many times when these long-established replacement options may be the best way to go. But there are also many times when they aren't.

A bridge, for instance, is where the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth are shaved down and then used as anchors for a false tooth (made of metal or porcelain) to be suspended between the two... like a bridge. The problem with this is that the process sometimes causes unnecessary trauma to the anchor teeth, often leading to further procedures or even early failure of the treatment itself. It also sets up a situation where the replacement of a single tooth hinges on the long-term success of at least two other teeth. If, for whatever reason, one of the anchor teeth goes bad, then the whole bridge is a loss.

Partial dentures, on the other hand, require very little modification of existing teeth, and they do a very good job of replacing several missing teeth all at once. For this reason, they are often one of the best options for people with a lot of empty spaces. The drawback though, especially in cases of just one or two missing teeth, is that partial dentures are fully removable, needing to come in and out of the mouth after eating and also at night. There can also be comfort issues with the bulk of the appliance, as well as cosmetic concerns with a display of metal that is often unwanted. These shortcomings are often enough to convince people to go looking for another option.

This is where dental implants enter the picture- single tooth solutions for single tooth problems (they can also be used to replace several teeth, or even an entire arch, all at once- but that is a subject for another day).

Dental implants replace your missing teeth in the most natural way possible- with a false root instead of a false tooth. A crown is then fixed to this "root" for a solution that stays in place, preserves your other teeth and bone, and usually lasts longer than the alternatives. It also gives you the look, feel, and function that you are used to having with your natural teeth. For these reasons, dental implants are increasingly becoming a standard when it comes to filling the gaps in your smile.

Dr. Hazard works at Loftus Family Dental, with locations in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls. At Loftus Family Dental, we offer free exams and X-rays for all new patients, treatment for the entire family, a wonderful team, and acceptance of almost all insurances in the area. Call today at 855-4LOFTUS. Visit our website: LoftusFamilyDental.com.