Q: Dr. Arnold, I have a couple of missing teeth, and my dentist has recommended implants. It sounds kind of scary. Do they really work and how important is this?

A: Replacing missing teeth is usually important to prevent the other teeth from shifting and creating additional problems. When teeth become misaligned, it can lead to decay (cavities), excessive wear, headaches, additional tooth loss and periodontal (gum) problems.

Additionally, missing teeth sometimes create more stress on those teeth that remain. Having to focus all of the chewing forces on one side of the mouth to avoid the spaces can lead to a compromise of the existing teeth.

Dental implants are placed routinely by dental specialists to replace missing teeth in order to help prevent these types of problems from occurring. They also enable patients to chew more effectively and smile with confidence.

The procedure involves minor surgery to place a small titanium post in the jaw bone. If the bone quantity or quality is deficient, sometimes bone grafting is also necessary. This is usually accomplished with a simple local anesthetic, although different levels of sedation are also available when necessary.

This procedure involves minor surgery to place a small titanium post in the jaw bone. If the bone quantity or quality is deficient, sometimes bone grafting is also necessary. This is usually accomplished with s simple local anesthetic, although different levels of sedation are also available when necessary.

This process is generally very comfortable, and patients are very pleased with the results. After three to six months, the bone has usually integrated with the implant, and a crown can be placed by the general dentist or prosthodontist. Most of the time, these new "implant teeth" function and feel like natural teeth.

The advantage of an implant over a traditional bridge is that the adjacent teeth don't have to be reshaped to replace the missing tooth or teeth. This is especially advantageous if the adjacent teeth are intact and without large restorations.

Dental implants also can be utilized to retain a denture. Sometimes dentures are unstable when they just rest on top of the gum tissue. Implants often provide "anchors" to which a denture may be attached, which enhances stability and facilitates easier chewing and speaking.

Implants have been around for decades, and modern implants have a very high success rate. If you have a good relationship with your dentist, I would advise you to follow his or her recommendations.

Dr. Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Chesterton and Valparaiso. He is also a clinical mentor with the Hornbrook Group and serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics as the Fellowship Chairman. You may send questions to his office at 1830 S. 11th St., Chesterton, IN 46304 or e-mail them to drarnold@SmilesByArnold.com. More information on this or many other dental topics can be found at www.SmilesByArnold.com.