Is it true that Titanium used in dentistry bonds to organic tissue naturally: like a post crown without any cement to hold in place

asks Mike:
A. Yes, that pretty much sums it up. Titanium implants are a new way to replace missing teeth.

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Teeth implants are the new buzz words in dentistry (as opposed to 'drill' which has a buzz of its own!) and are already popular in the US.

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Q. How does it work
A. A small titanium post is planted into the jaw bone, where it bonds chemically and physically to the bone in a process known as 'osseointegration'.

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Q. How long does it take to bond to the bone
A. The implant is left for a few months, then temporary teeth are attached to let the implant settle. Finally the new, permanent tooth is fitted. It's natural-looking and doesn't have the problems associated with bridges or dentures.

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Q. Does it have to be done immediately after a tooth is lost
A. The best time to get an implant is as soon as possible after an extraction. That doesn't mean you can't replace a tooth you lost some time ago, it just may be necessary to rebuild the bone first.

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Q. Can anyone have it
A. No. You can't have an implant if you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes, or if you are under 18 (the jawbone may still be growing). There should also be no gum disease or receding bone problems.

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For those reasons, you should be given a thorough examination before you can be given an implant.

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Q. Can older people have it
A. Yes there is no upper age limit.

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Q. Are there any drawbacks
A. Yes, implants are very expensive - �1,500-�2,000 each.

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Q. How can I find a suitable practitioner
A. The General Dental Council doesn't set standards specially for implantology, because it sees implants more as surgical or restorative dentistry. Always ask the practitioner about his/her qualifications and whether he/she is using a system which has evidence-based results, such as Branemark, Astra or ITI.

Visit the Association of Dental Implantology UK's website� to find a practitioner near you.

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By Sheena Miller