Dental implants are screw-shaped or cylindrical root-form titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. These are carefully placed in the jawbone and allowed to heal. During the healing phase, your bone is growing right up to the implant surface in order to lock it in place.
Shortly thereafter, a crown is made to fit on top of the implant so as to replace a missing tooth or teeth with a "brand-new" tooth. In many cases, you can be functioning on your "new" tooth on the same day as you surgery!
Dental implant treatment is the preferred method of tooth replacement. These implants replace missing tooth roots, and form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like your natural teeth. Dental implants also preserve the remaining bone by providing the stimulation previously provided by the natural tooth roots.
Dental implants offer several advantages to the patient. Unlike traditional false teeth, it isn’t necessary to grind down the adjacent teeth for a bridge or secure a partial denture to adjacent teeth with clasps.
In addition to supporting crowns and bridges, implants can also be used to secure poorly fitting dentures. By using dental implants we can eliminate the problems associated with traditional dentures. These include looseness, sore spots, trapped food and embarrassing denture slippage. In addition the biting force is increased in a more natural bite.