Implants are used to replace missing teeth when a bridge is not recommended. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in a patient’s jaw and act as an anchor for replacement teeth. They are made of titanium and the goal is for them to fuse to the patient’s jawbone. Implants offer great support to man-made teeth and help preserve the bone after teeth are lost.
Several visits are required for implants. The first step is to surgically place the implant into the jawbone. Often a patient must wait for the bone to grow around the implant before replacement teeth can be attached. Depending upon your treatment plan, a crown, bridge or denture is then made to fit your mouth and implant. Like with a bridge or crown, a temporary is made before the permanent replacement is ready.
Dental implants help patients chew better, make your appearance more natural if you are missing teeth and they are the closest thing to natural teeth!