What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth.

Who can get dental implants?

If you are in good general health, have healthy gums and have enough bone in the jaw to hold an implant, dental implants might be right for you. However,If your jawbone has shrunk or if it has not developed normally, you might need a bone graft to build up the bone. A bone graft is a way of adding new bone to your jawbone. Your dentist or dental specialist will tell you if bone grafting can be done.

How dental implants are done ?

Your dentist will carefully examine your mouth and take x-rays of your head, jaw and teeth as a result,he or she can find out if the dental implants are the right treatment for you.

During the first stage of surgery, the dentist will put a dental implant into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. The gum tissue is then stitched back into place. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum. It can take several months to heal.

During the second stage of surgery and once the tissue is healed, your dentist or specialist will attach an abutment to the implant. An abutment is a post that connects the replacement tooth to the implant. Furthermore ,in some cases,the dentist or the specialist may do the first and second stage of implant surgery in one single stage.

The dentist attaches an artificial replacement tooth to the abutment. It may take several appointments to properly fit the replacement tooth to the abutment.

When replacing several teeth or all of your teeth, a fixed bridge is anchored to your dental implants. The bridge is held firmly in place by dental implants on each side of the missing tooth or teeth.