What are dental implants and how do they work?

Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the jawbone for support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth and will result in a longer lasting, more reliable result. Call today to schedule your complimentary implant consultation.  more

Dental implants are composed of titanium metal that fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown, which is created by a prosthodontist or restorative dentist and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance. When a missing tooth is replaced by a dental implant, the fusion, or osseointegration, of the implant and bone provides stability, just as the natural tooth did. A successful implant requires that all parties involved — the patient; the restorative dentist, who makes the crown for the implant; and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who surgically places the implant, follow a careful plan of treatment.  more

• Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the jawbone for support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth.  more

The advent of osseointegrated implants represents a great breakthrough in dentistry. We are now able to replace a tooth without connecting to adjacent healthy teeth. "Use a one tooth solution to solve a one tooth problem." Osseointegration refers to the process in which bone attaches to the surface of titanium metal. This ability of the body to accept this metal has allowed modern medicine to utilize titanium in artificial joints, heart valves and dental implants. Of course it is possible to have conventional dentures or bridges which will suffice in some cases. However there are cases in which one may not want to wear a removable denture or may not want to have a tooth shaved down for a bridge. Most people desire the added stability of a fixed prosthesis over a removable denture. There are also patients who cannot tolerate the palate of an upper denture due to a gag reflex or diminished taste sensation.  more

Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the jawbone for support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth.  more

Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the jawbone for support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth.  more