Dental Implants

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are tooth root substitutes made of titanium that are placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the dental implants which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for a variety of fixed or removable dental restorations.

If teeth are lost, missing or unable to be saved by restorative procedures, implant replacement is likely the best treatment option. These tooth replacements can be virtually indiscernible from natural teeth and can dramatically enhance the ease, ability and enjoyment of eating. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are lost. Dental implants can be used to replace any number of teeth.

Several factors make dental implants the modern “Standard of Care”:

• A natural appearance
• Elimination of removable appliances
• They are dependable and secure
• Offer significant chewing improvement
• Provide a long-term solution

Conventional tooth replacement involves reduction of tooth structure of adjacent teeth to support a fixed bridge. With implant therapy, healthy teeth do not need to be reduced or compromised. Patients missing several or even all of their teeth can avoid inevitable partial or complete dentures. Research has demonstrated the long-term value of implant therapy relative to conventional modes of treatment.