The need to replace lost teeth with as natural successors has meant that dental implants are gaining popularity. However Dr Andrew Spector, a specialist in dental implants says that public awareness of these implants is low and needs to increase.

He said that while people think implants fix all problems, there is always a risk of infection, inflammation and failure. For example heavy smokers are not the best candidates for implants as smoking reduces the chances of implant success by 30 percent.

Dental Economics reports that standards of dental implants have improved significantly and these days there is a 96% success rate. But Dr Spector said that patients need to be educated before making any decisions.

"This includes taking an objective look at certain implant procedures that are being aggressively marketed today," he added.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has said that by the age of 35 to 44, most Americans lost at least one tooth to decay, gum disease or an accident. Therefore the need of implantation exists, but realistic expectations have to be encouraged.

Source-Medindia
RAS/L