Dentures, crowns and bridges used to be the only solutions for adults with missing teeth. The sophistication of new technology and techniques are giving way to more options and many patients are opting for dental implants, a permanent replacement.

Older adults are keeping their teeth longer. But baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1964) are contributing to the rise in dental implants placed each year. Periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay are common occurrences among this population and often lead to tooth loss.

A 2000 poll by the American Academy of Periodontology reported 43 percent of periodontists surveyed said half or more of the implants they placed were for patients ages 55 to 79 – a number that has steadily increased each year with aging baby boomers needing these services. Top reasons cited for tooth loss leading to implant placement were periodontal disease, tooth decay and accidents, violence or injuries.

Dental implants have a number of advantages. They can facilitate proper chewing, give the feel of natural teeth and promote self-confidence with improved speech and appearance. If a tooth is missing or needs to be replaced because it has fractured or decayed, it can be replaced without affecting adjacent teeth, making it easier to brush and floss.

“Since the 1970s when dental implants were first introduced, studies continually show they are a predictable solution,” said Dr. Nancy Barton, a periodontist and WDA member. “Research has also given us different options for shapes, surfaces, sizes and ways to achieve more stable and aesthetic results.”

But not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Patients must be healthy enough to tolerate an oral surgical procedure and dentists must consider each patient individually. The ideal candidate is in good general and oral health and has healthy gums that are free of periodontal disease. Adequate bone in the jaw is also needed to support the implant. Heavy and long-standing cigarette smoking has been shown to adversely affect long-term prognosis.

Dental implants can also be the more expensive solution for adults with missing teeth. Placing and restoring a single implant can cost about $3,000, on average.

However, the field of dental implants continues to advance. Computer software has been developed to help treatment planning and ensure precise placement. Patients in need of these services can benefit from dental implants as opposed to traditional methods. It used to be patients had to wait a long time between the extraction of the tooth, placing of the implant and final restoration. Now, thanks to advances in dental implants, this waiting period has been greatly reduced.

“Patients are often very appreciative of the increased quality of life and psychological well-being dental implants can afford,” Barton said.