Dental Implants

Dental implants are an ideal solution to missing teeth. For over 30 years, dental implants have brought natural looking and feeling tooth/teeth replacement to patients. The dental implant is an artificial root to replace the root of the missing tooth which provides an anchor for a dental restoration. Dental implants can be used to support a number of  dental prostheses, such as a crown, bridge or denture. A dental implant is a small titanium screw or cylinder which is surgically placed in the jawbone. Osseointegration is the process by which direct anchorage of a dental implant and the bone of the jaw occurs. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor, at which point your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. Once the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is done. If osseointegration does not occur, the implant will fail. A dental implant is considered to be a failure if it is lost or mobile. Dental implants are not susceptible to dental caries but they can develop a condition called peri-implantitis. This is an inflammatory condition of the mucosa and/or bone around the implant which may result in bone loss and eventual loss of the implant. Peri-implantitis is more likely to occur in heavy smokers, patients with diabetes, patients with poor oral hygiene and cases where the mucosa around the implant is thin.

Advantages of dental implants:

*   Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.

*   Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!

*   Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence!  They can provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

*   Dental implants have a high success rate and they are the ideal option for tooth replacement.