Dental implants are a superior way to replace missing teeth because they are natural looking and function just like your own teeth.  You brush dental implants, floss them and get regular dental checkups as if they were your teeth.  Because you do not remove them, you can easily chew and talk with them without the adjustment period that exists with dentures.

However, although most people can replace missing teeth with dental implants, in certain situations dental implants may not be recommended.  If you suffer with serious periodontal disease or degenerative bone problems, your jaw may not be strong enough to accommodate dental implants.  People taking certain medications such as corticosteroids should avoid dental implants because they compromise healing.  Also, people with diseases that compromise healing such as uncontrolled diabetes, collagen vascular diseases and moderate to severe anemia are not good candidates for dental implants.  Additionally, heavy drinkers and smokers may experience poor results with dental implants.

Further, dental implants are not recommended for those folks under 15 or 16 years old because their facial structures have not finished growing.  Certain dentists prefer to wait until a person is in their 20's because of ongoing jaw growth.

If you are interested in dental implants to replace missing teeth, discuss your medical conditions with your dentist to see if you are a viable candidate.  Remember, there are also natural looking bridges and dentures that effectively replace missing teeth and give you something to smile about.