What You Need To Know AboutDental Implants (NAPSA)—Epidemiological studies referenced by the American College of Prosthodontists estimate that 178 million Americansare missingat least one tooth and that 40 million are missingall their teeth. If you're among them,there are a few facts you mayfindhelpful. The Preferred Method of Tooth Replacement Implant treatment is considered standard of care and has the best long-term success rate of any tooth replacementoption. Dental implant treatment avoids com- promising the long-term health of adjacent teeth and virtually stops the bone resorption or deterioration that occurs naturally when teeth are missing. The entire jaw starts to shrink when all the teeth in that arch are missing, and dentures can accelerate this boneloss. Scientific studies suggest that tooth-supported bridges are only 85 percent successful for 10 years and 66 percent Something to smile about: If, like most adults, you've lost a tooth, dental professionals can help. surgeon been placing implants and how many implants has the surgeon placed? Does the surgeon use 3-D imaging for implants are over 95 percent successful treatment planning? How many implants has the dentist restored? important consideration—not cost. Awareness was founded to increase public awareness of the benefits of dental implants and the importance of selecting a qualified team of doctors to provide treatment. successful at 15 years, whereas dental for 30 to 50 years. Dental implants are not a commodity. Implant treatment involves surgery, and the expertise of the doctors providing treatment should be the most Cutting corners, or lack of training and experience, can result in damage to bone and gums, infections or failed implants. Sometimes the procedure may need to be completely redone. Understand Your Options To help people determine the best treatment, Dr. Julius Hyatt, a Board Cer- tified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a memberof the Advisory Board of the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness, offers some advice. As oneofthe leading experts in implant dentistry, with over 25 years of experience, his primary concerns are patientsafety and treatment outcomes. Dr. Hyatt suggests patients ignore advertising claims about bargain implants and do their own research. Ask questions suchas: Will the implants be placed by a surgical specialist? How long has the The Institute for Dental Implant Learn More Visit thedentalimplantguide.org for com- prehensive, objective information about dental implants and howtoselect a qualified team of doctors to provide treatment. Dr.Julius Hyatt has established a rep- utation as an expert in implant dentistry andoral surgery andis recognized as one of the region's most outstanding surgeons by Baltimore magazine. He completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland. He hasplaced dental implants and bonegrafts for thousands of patients ofall ages, and his extensive experiencehas earnedtherespectof colleaguesacross the country. For more information, visit mdcenteroms.com/our-surgeons/ baltimore-oral-surgeon-dr-julius-hyatt/.
