Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. Implants provide excellent support and stability for removable partial or complete dentures.
Dental implants are artificial roots (usually titanium) and teeth that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by an Oral Surgeon or a Periodontist. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and restore a patient’s smile!
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Prevent teeth from shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture.
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting dental implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine the spacing available for an implant. The implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate into the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time. After the healing period, the artificial teeth called implant crowns are made, fitted and securely attached to the post portion of the implant.