DESC: Americans are seeking dental implants at a rate that is increasing 14% each year, and this guide answers the medical, aesthetic, and procedural questions patients face in selecting this permanent alternative to dentures and bridges. Four experienced prosthedontists explain each step of tooth replacement using dental implants, from the initial consultation to the recovery process. Included is information on the physiology of the human jaw, dental implant procedures, the restorative process, potential risks, and desired outcomes.