A Patient's Guide to Dental Implants

Do You Need Teeth Replacement? Are you missing a tooth? Several teeth? If so, perhaps you're like many individualsyou already wear a bridge or dentures or are considering them. But have you considered dental implants? They are "permanent teeth" that are inserted into the jawbone and function like natural teeth. They offer a more natural appearance and greater comfort than bridges or dentures. Although the trend toward dental implants is growing rapidly, you, like many consumers, may not fully understand how they work. The doctors who wrote this book recognized the need for consumer information. All specialists in dental implants, they provide answers to such questions as: What are the benefits of dental implants? Who is a candidate for dental implants? How are the implants inserted? Are the procedures painful? How long do implants last? Are there risks or possible complications? How do you choose a qualified dentist or specialist? What follow-up care is required? Your Complete Guide to Dental Implants

Thomas Balshi, D.D.S. is a practicing prosthodontist and the director of the Institute for Facial Esthetics. He is the author of From Soup to Nuts. He lives in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. William Becker, D.D.S. is an associate professor of periodontology at the University of Southern California school of dentistry in Los Angeles and a clinical professor of periodontology at the University of Texas at Houston. He lives in Tucson, Arizona. Edmond Bedrossian, D.D.S. is the director of the postdoctoral implant training program at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. He lives in San Francisco, California. Peter Wohrle, D.M.D. is an assistant clinical professor of advanced prosthodontics at the University of Southern California and the associate editor of the Journal of Oral Implantology. He lives in Newport Beach, California.