The role of dental implants in the future.

Osseointegration's documented success allowing bone and mucosal tissue to tolerate a titanium implant has dramatically expanded the possibilities of dental care. We can now replace extracted teeth. Maintaining implants is different, but simpler than tooth maintenance. There is much interest in quicker procedures, shorter healing times or other materials to see if they can be as successful as CP titanium. Some may prove to be so. In any case, osseointegration has had as much impact on 20th century dentistry as local anesthetics, fluorides and the air rotor. Our practices and curricula, are changing to remain contemporary and ready for the 21st century.