How long have dental implants been in use?
The modern titanium dental implant was developed in Sweden and has been accepted for use in the United States for more than two decades.

Are dental implants permanent?
No dental treatment can be guaranteed to be absolutely permanent. Just like natural teeth, dental implant abutments need daily home cleaning and regular professional care. This is to protect the implant and its supporting bone from the damages of bacterial plaque. With proper care and good general health, dental implants can be relied upon for years of service.

How long does the treatment take?
Generally, treatment takes about six to eight months. With the advancements of product and surgical technology, certain implants like the ERA Implant can be loaded immediately under the proper conditions.  The majority of the time is taken in allowing the bone tissue to heal solidly against the implant. Then the dental restoration, such as an implant overdenture, is completed. Your dentist can give you a better time estimate for your specific situation.

What can be done while I am waiting for my treatment to be finished?
A temporary restoration to suit your needs will be part of your dentist's treatment plan.

Who Should consider Implants?
Any adult non-smoker in good general health who needs tooth replacement dentistry should investigate dental implants as a treatment option, The range of application is from single tooth replacement to complete dental reconstruction. One of the common uses of dental implants is anchorage of dentures, especially lower dentures. Usually two implants are placed in the front of the lower jaw bone. Then connectors (called abutments) extend from the implants, through the soft tissue covering the bone, and into the mouth. The abutments attach the denture to the implants. Dentists refer to this as an implant overdenture because it lies over the implants. The overdenture clips onto snap like attachments on the abutments so you can remove it for cleaning like a standard denture. But, because they are anchored in place, overdentures are stable, comfortable and secure - without adhesives. Sterngold makes dental implants, implant abutments and other products used by dentists. Contact us for an information kit on implant overdentures.