What Is A Dental Implant?
The simple answer? An artificial tooth root! More specifically, dental implants are tooth-shaped titanium or ceramic posts which we surgically place in the jawbone. The implant ultimately integrates with and is supported by the bone and surrounding tissue, providing the artificial root we need to replace your missing tooth.
Why A Dental Implant?
- Feels like a natural tooth
- Provides stable support for crowns, bridges and dentures
- Doesn’t depend on surrounding teeth for support
- Stabilizes loose dentures
- Easier than most extractions
- Over 90% long term success rate
Single Tooth Replacement
If you have lost only one tooth in an area and need to fill only that space, a dental implant does just that. The implant is surgically placed in the bone. An attachment that sticks up above the gum line is secured to it. Then, using that attachment as a foundation, the crown is set in place. Whaalaa! Your tooth is replaced!
Dental Implants For Bridges
If you have several, or even all, of your teeth missing and if the surrounding bone is strong enough, multiple dental implants can be placed in the jawbone in order to support a fixed bridge (several teeth attached together and glued to the implants). This procedure actually saves any adjacent teeth since neighboring teeth are not used to support the bridge.
Dental Implants For Dentures
If you need dentures or, unfortunately, have loose dentures, dental implants could provide the support necessary to create a strong stable denture fit! And with that you could throw away the denture adhesives, eliminate the fear of “denture drop” when speaking to your family and friends and start enjoying your favorite foods again! Believe it or not, research shows a good stable bite can add 10-20 years to your life!
Placement of Dental Implants
Surprisingly, the surgical placement of a dental implant is much easier than most extractions, heals more quickly and has less complications!
If you think you may need one or more dental implants, call to schedule a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with me to discuss your options.
