Then she'll return so Hoffman can make a small incision in the gums and attach posts to the outside of the gums. The posts will be used to secure her new dentures in place. Bair will be able to remove her dentures at night for cleaning. Single prosthetic teeth, known as crowns, typically are permanently attached. Still, only an estimated 2 percent to 3 percent of people who are missing teeth are getting dental implants, Malmquist said.
Cost is often a deterrent.
Insurance rarely covers the procedure, which is considered cosmetic. Cost aside, the American Dental Association warns that implants are not for everyone. Because implants require surgery, patients must be in overall good health, as well as have healthy gums. Until recently, patients also needed to have enough bone left to support the implants. That has changed in recent years, since dental professionals have started using freeze-dried, demineralized bone from tissue banks to build up the bone when necessary.