Dental implants are an implanted structure placed within the mouth to serve as a replacement tooth.

Implants are comprised of three components: a metal post, an abutment and a crown.

The metal post is implanted during the initial appointment. Over the next few months, your jawbone will react to the implantation by organically fusing around your new implant to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the structure.

Later, an abutment will be placed over the metal post, followed up by a dental crown that is attached to the abutment. The crown provides both the appearance and functionality of a tooth chewing surface.

In addition to being a standalone treatment, dental implants are also used to anchor other restorations.

For one, dental implants are incredibly stable. Unlike dentures, that have a tendency to slip in the mouth or even fall out altogether, implants are firmly anchored within your jawbone. They will never slip or fall out to cause you embarrassment.

Implants are also incredibly durable. If you care for them properly by brushing and flossing around them, you can expect them to last for the rest of your life.

Another key benefit of getting a dental implant is that it prevents bone loss. Did you know that if you have a missing tooth, your jaw underneath will begin a process called resorption in which it will begin melting away? This can lead to the facial structure collapsing inward, making you look much older than your real age. The presence of an artificial tooth root prevents the bone loss that would otherwise occur.

Dental implants help to prevent surrounding teeth from moving into the gap left by one or more missing teeth. This can really have an impact on the attractiveness of your smile, even leading to problems with your bite.

Bone grafting is a type of procedure that some patients require before receiving a dental implant. The reason is that they have experienced bone resorption and lost a good deal of bone mass required for anchoring an implant. So bone material is grafted into the area to shore it up and make it ready to receive a dental implant.

Are you wondering if a dental implant would make a good choice for you and your individual needs? If so, please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.