What is a dental implant?

An excellent option for replacing missing teeth is a dental implant. The most common type of dental implant is the root-form implant which, as its name implies, is about the same size and shape as the root of a tooth. Root-form implants are made from titanium, and they are surgically placed in the jawbone where they heal firmly in place. After healing is complete, a crown or other dental restoration can be placed on the implant.

What types of restorations do implants support?

Implants can be used to support various dental restorations, including a single crown, a bridge, or a denture. Crowns and bridges are permanent restorations that are cemented to the implant and are not removable. Implant supported dentures are removable, but unlike traditional dentures, they snap on to the implants and remain firm and stable in the mouth.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

The ideal candidate for implants has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.

How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

Implants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.

How do implants compare with traditional bridges or dentures?

Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don't compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last 7-10 years, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.

How do I take care of my implants and replacement teeth?

Consider your replacement teeth to be the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.