Dental implants are a dental restorative treatment that replaces a
missing tooth root. Most means of replacing missing teeth only replace the crown, the part of the
tooth visible above the gum. With a dental implant, the root of the tooth is also replaced, providing
unparalleled support and functionality.
The dental implant itself takes the form of a small screw, typically made out of titanium. This screw
is inserted into the jaw where the root of a tooth used to be. The planning and placement of this
screw must be very precise to provide maximum support while avoiding sensitive structures in the jaw.
After the dental implant is placed, time is needed to allow the bone to grow around it. This process,
known as osseointegration, is what gives the restoration placed on the implant its support. Once the
implant has integrated with the bone, a restoration is connected via an abutment.
A dental implant can be used to replace a single tooth, or multiple teeth. A single crown on an
implant replaces one tooth; a bridge supported by an implant can replace two or three teeth; and all
or part of a row of teeth can be supported by as few as four dental implants.
Dental implants are one of the most reliable, predictable, and long-lasting dental treatments
available today, with an effective life of many decades. With proper care and maintenance, a properly
installed dental implant can last you the rest of your life.