Dental Implants

A dental implant is a piece of titanium or other material that looks like a screw. It is put into the jaw where the missing tooth’s roots were, to serve as the root of the missing tooth. Bone will grow around the implanted screw which will help to hold it in place.

An artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the metal screw to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth. The crown is specially made to look like the other teeth in size, shape and colour.

How dental implant surgery is performed, depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures. The major benefit of implants is that it provides solid support for your new teeth. This process requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant, which takes time as bone healing can take many months. Dental implants can also be used to hold a dental bridge or dentures in place.

Dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth.
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth.
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft.
• Have healthy oral tissues.
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing.
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures.
• Want to improve your speech.
• Are willing to commit several months to the process.
• Don’t smoke tobacco.