What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. After the implant integrates with the bone, it can support a custom crown, bridge, or denture.
Unlike a traditional bridge, a single implant can replace a missing tooth without requiring crowns on neighboring healthy teeth.
Implant Solutions
- Single-tooth implants: replace one missing tooth with an implant and custom crown
- Multiple-tooth implants: use strategically placed implants to support several replacement teeth
- Implant-supported dentures: improve the stability and comfort of a removable or fixed full-arch restoration
The Dental Implant Process
- Consultation: examination, digital imaging, and a discussion of your goals and medical history
- Planning and placement: the implant is positioned according to the restorative plan
- Healing: time is allowed for the implant and surrounding bone to integrate
- Restoration: an abutment and custom tooth or denture are attached after the site is ready
Timing varies with the number and location of implants, bone support, healing, and whether other procedures are needed.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- A natural-looking restoration designed for your smile
- Stable support for chewing and speaking
- Replacement of a single tooth without preparing neighboring teeth
- Stimulation that can help preserve bone around the implant site
- Improved denture stability and less reliance on adhesive
Are You a Candidate?
Candidates may include adults with one or more missing teeth, adequate bone support or a plan to address it, healthy gums, and the ability to maintain daily oral hygiene and follow-up care.
Smoking, uncontrolled health conditions, active dental disease, and certain medications can affect healing or candidacy. A consultation is needed to evaluate your individual risks and options.