A dental implant is a tooth replacement option to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or to hold a denture in place. Made from titanium, a bio-friendly metal, implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone where they function as an anchor. After a period of a few months of healing, the implant fuses to the bone and loading can begin. An abutment is attached to the implant above the tissue to which a crown or denture anchor can be attached.
Implants are advantageous because they are most similar to natural teeth and do not involve adjacent teeth. Implants can potentially last decades with proper care and regular visits to our office. Implants help prevent bone loss which would naturally occur with tooth loss. Implants can also support full arch denture.
The disadvantages of implants include the healing time which varies from 3-6 months. Patient should be in good overall health since implants involve surgery. Patients must have adequate bone or to be able to have surgery to build up the area needing an implant. Using tobacco can slow healing. We work with our oral surgery partners and periodontal partners for placement. You will return to our office after healing for the final steps. Your dentist will fabricate and attach the final restoration onto your implant.