What are Dental Implants?

While considering your options for teeth replacement you may have asked yourself “what are dental implants and are they the solution for me?” Well, dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming a new standard in tooth replacement.

What makes dental implants feel completely comfortable and secure? Doctors use a titanium implant fixture that, over time, actually fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement (which can sometimes happen with dentures). There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly.

Dental implants typically have three parts:

1) The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw.

2) The abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.

3) The crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks.

You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth

Implants have several advantages over dentures, which are removable artificial teeth. Implants:

• are more natural and comfortable
• have a higher success rate
• improve chewing function
• lead to a lower risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth
• lead to better maintenance of bone at the site of the lost tooth
• cause decreased sensitivity in nearby teeth
• do not need to be taken out and cleaned every night

However, dental implants are not suitable for everyone. The implanting devices must bond with the jawbone, so a person’s bones must be healthy before they can undergo implant surgery.