Dental Implants: Nothing to Fear

While over 150 million people in the United States are missing permanent teeth, only 3 million have dental implants, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. We asked the Resident Experts at Ridgewood Dental Associates, periodontist and prosthodontist Jin Ha Joung, DMD and prosthodontist Mark Samani, DMD, for their insights on why so many aren’t getting the care they need.

Why do so many people who need dental implants not have them?

Dr. Samani: I think there’s a lack of awareness and understanding about implants.

So, at the most basic level, who does need dental implants?

Dr. Samani: Anybody who is missing a tooth or anybody who has been told they need to have a tooth taken out and has been told they should contemplate getting a three-unit bridge is a candidate. The advantage with implants is that you can treat each tooth individually.

Dr. Joung: You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full arch of teeth. The implant basically acts as an anchor in the bone to support whatever you put over it, whether it’s a single tooth or a full set
of teeth.

Why is that important?

Dr. Samani: If we’re dealing with a single tooth, we don’t have to involve teeth on either side. If we’re dealing with a full arch of teeth, we now have the ability to hold down whatever we need to with implants, whether it’s a removable overdenture or an implant-supported fixed prosthesis.

It sounds like implants are state of the art.

Dr. Joung: Compared to 20 years ago, there’s been significant improvements in dental implant technology that allows for better surgical outcomes and improved restorative options to support long-term success.

Is long-term success an advantage with implants?

Dr. Samani: The long-term success with implants is unbelievable, to the point where it has become our primary treatment option.

What do you tell patients who are unsure or who don’t understand how implants work?

Dr. Samani: I tell patients we can provide them with educational resources to help them understand the process as well as connect them with implant patients who can explain the process firsthand based on their experience here at the office.

Dr. Joung: When patients ask for referrals, we connect them with other patients that have been through it. I think testimonials are the most helpful thing.

Ridgewood Dental Associates is located at 166 Franklin Ave. in Ridgewood. 

Visit their website at www.ridgewooddental.com.