title: Dental implants. State of the art, state of the science.
abstract: Analysis of epidemiologic studies reveals that even with advances in preventive dentistry, edentulism continues to be a pressing problem especially in a rapidly expanding senior population. As an alternative to traditional removable dentures, dental implants can provide fixed support for crowns and bridges. A recent National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference revealed significant growth in implant technology and established that, although a complex treatment alternative, implants can function for 10 years or more. Continued development in basic and clinical research, federal regulations, professional education, public awareness, insurance, and marketing will shape the future of the field.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Schnitman
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003757:Dental Implantation / Q000639:trends; D015921:Dental Implants; D004867:Equipment Design; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007347:Insurance, Dental
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015921:Dental Implants