In the past several decades the use of dental implants instead of bridges and dentures has exploded in popularity as they offer a more natural look, feel and function, because they are permanently fixed in the mouth.

The scientific research that allowed these to come into being began in the 1950's with the discovery that metal titanium had an ability to bond with bone. This very strong bond to surrounding bone is a process termed "osseointegration", coming from the Latin word "osseus" meaning "bony".

After years of careful research and study, dental implants (titanium cylinders placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth) have been refined with high success rates. There are now patients who have had implant supported teeth for more than twenty-five years. No more the need for dentures and bridges, it's easier to eat, looks better and much more easily cared for.

"I tell my patients with missing teeth that they should consider dental implants.", explains Dr. Maddahi. "If you, like millions of Americans, have lost one or more teeth, you may be all too familiar with the unpleasant consequences. For many, missing teeth lead to an unattractive smile, embarrassment from loose dentures, and pain or difficulty with eating. Traditional dentistry can provide replacements for missing teeth using bridges, removable partials and dentures; however, each of these has its problems."

Bridgework usually involves altering natural teeth to provide a stable foundation for support of replacement teeth. Partials and dentures can, at times, be very unstable leading to denture sores or speech difficulties. Another little known problem associated with tooth loss is a process known as ‘atrophy', a shrinking of the jawbone that can progress over the years. Bone atrophy not only affects jaw function, but can cause adverse facial cosmetic changes.

Dental implants are an effective, safe and predictable solution to the problems resulting from missing teeth. Many patients report they like the look more, and state that the implants feel and function like natural teeth.

Dr. Maddahi likes to inform his patients of the basis of his choices. "Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a replacement tooth or crown or a set of replacement teeth. Replacing missing teeth is important to an individual's general health and to the health of remaining teeth. Chewing ability is lost when a tooth is lost. Unreplaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped or crowded and create subsequent problems. There are also the obvious problems of poor appearance and loss of self-esteem caused by one or more missing teeth."

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797. He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.