ADA Survey Reveals Increase in Dental Implants Over Five-Year Period

CHICAGO, April 2002 -- Although people are losing fewer teeth as they age, a recently released American Dental Association (ADA) survey reveals that when those teeth are replaced, more Americans are choosing dental implants as a replacement option than they did in the past.

According to the survey, the average number of surgically placed dental implants by dentists, who perform the procedure, increased 49 percent to 56.2 implants placed annually per dentist in 1999, compared with an average of 37.7 in 1995. The random-sample survey included responses from nearly 3,000 dentists. The respondents were ADA members and non-members.

Although nothing can take the place of a healthy set of teeth, says the ADA, when disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, dental implants are among the options available to help restore one's smile. Implants provide artificial teeth that look natural and feel secure, and can be used to secure bridges and dentures when more than one tooth is missing.

When comparing dental implant activities by specialty, oral and maxillofacial surgeons increased the most to an annual average of 80.9 implants per dentist in 1999 from 42.5 implants in 1995. Periodontists climbed to 70.8 implants per dentist from 43.4 implants, and general practitioners rose to 30.6 implants per dentist from 27.8 implants during the same period.

The survey also showed that 11 percent of the responding dentists reported having surgically placed a dental implant. When analyzed by specialty, 89.6 percent of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, 67.9 percent of periodontists, 10 percent of prosthodontists and 8.1 percent of general practitioners said they had performed dental implant procedures.

Implants, however, are not an option for everyone, according to the ADA. Because implants require surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the implant and be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

For those individuals considering implants, the ADA recommends a thorough evaluation by a dentist.

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