White, healthy teeth are the sign of a healthy body, healthy spirit and add a great deal to our social value.
No matter how young or old we are, missing teeth not only make chewing food difficult, they make living life difficult too.
Proof is in the demand for dental implants.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) more than 30 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws.
In 2010 alone, 3 million Americans had implants and the number is expected to grow by 500,000 yearly.
Dental implants have been around for awhile.
Regular implants usually take a long period of time to install.
Depending on the number of implants and the condition of the patient it can take 6 months to a year to complete the process.
However, technology is moving on as always.
In recent years, advancements like 3D radiographic imaging scans, soft tissue grafting and superior construction materials have made it possible for new solutions to missing teeth to keep coming with innovative treatments such as:

1. All-on-4 Implants: This has been around for about 10 years, so it is not that new, but few people have heard of it.
   A set of 4 implants to which dentures are attached is anchored into the jawbone.
   A full mouth of all-on-4 implants can be installed in one day.
   They are guaranteed to fit because the material surrounding them is soft and flexible, easily adapting to anyone's mouth.
   Solid food can be eaten afterward.
   
2. Mini-Dental Implants: About the size of a toothpick, the mini-dental implants can go where a regular-sized implant can't.
   They are good for seniors because they don't need screws or a firm jawbone for grafting.
   They can be installed in one hour but soft food will have to be eaten for a few days after the surgery.
   
3. Immediate Load Dental Implants: This is the fastest method as virtually everything is done in one visit.
   You can be dining in a restaurant the same evening.
   A higher than average number of problems can occur because the new teeth are put into use before the bone has time to grow around the implant, firmly locking it into the jaw.
   However, if time is an issue this may be the right choice.
   Many patients have had immediate load dental implants with no problems at all.
   
4. Regular Dental Implants: This is the traditional method and the slowest.
   A good, strong and wide jawbone is absolutely necessary.
   Full size screws are attached to the jawbone and only a few can be done in one sitting.
   If installing more than one or two dental implants several appointments may be required, at least 3 to 6 months waiting time for the bone to grow around the screw and another 3 - 6 months before the permanent crowns replaces the temporary crowns.
   

The success of these depends on conditions of individual mouths, teeth and surrounding bone.
Some treatments can work for everyone, and some people will have a smaller choice.
Advice of a dentist and oral surgeon on this is crucial.
These treatments are also expensive.
A single dental implant can cost $2,000.
A full mouth can cost between $30,000 and $50,000.
Low Cost Solution to High Priced Dental Implants One way to save money is to travel for dental tourism to Costa Rica.
Dental implant costs in Costa Rica can be as much as 70% less than in the U.
S.
while the quality is just as high.
Many clinics offer special low-interest loans that can be tailored to the needs of the patient.
Costa Rica is easy to reach from the United States and Canada.
It has a very easygoing, friendly population that welcomes foreigners, a low crime rate and is very politically stable.
Many hospitals and clinics are affiliated with American hospitals and clinics.
And it is a very enjoyable place to spend time after a visit to the dentist.
There are many options in the field of dental implants and many more are in development.
Eventually almost every mouth can have the dental implant strategy it needs and every smile can be beautiful for the entire life of its wearer.