Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that work by replacing both the root and the crown of your tooth after it has been removed from your mouth. Implants consist of two main parts, the implant post and the implant restoration. The implant post works to replace the tooth root, anchoring the tooth to your jawbone and providing a stable foundation by stimulating your supporting bone tissue to keep it healthy. The implant restoration replaces the crown of the tooth or teeth, and may consist of a single crown, a dental bridge or a denture.
Your implant treatment begins with an implant placement surgery, during which the implant post is surgically inserted into your jawbone. After this procedure, there will be a period of healing to allow the post to integrate with your jawbone. Following this healing period, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon will work with you to design and create a restoration that meets your unique needs. This restoration will cap your implant post and complete your treatment.
Dental implants are intended to be permanent replacements for your missing teeth and require the same care as your original teeth in order to keep them stable and functional in your mouth. This includes daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to your dentist for preventive care.
Anyone who has lost a tooth or teeth is a candidate for implant dentistry. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you will most likely be able to receive implants without any difficulty. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as tooth decay or gum disease, you will need to receive treatment for that condition before you can receive an implant.
If you have any questions about implant dentistry and to schedule a consultation with our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, please contact our office today. We look forward to helping you regain a healthy, beautiful smile!