Dental Implants
Tooth Loss can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay, and gum disease.
Dental Implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted into the jawbone, and a protruding post, which is outfitted with an artificial tooth. Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial denture or secure a fixed denture. The process requires surgery and may take up to a year to complete.
Replace a missing tooth
Support a bridge
Secure a fixed denture
Secure a removable denture
The Procedure
Several steps are usually necessary to place an implant. Depending on the type of implant, the steps may vary. The placement of a single-tooth endosteal implant is illustrated below:
In the first procedure under anesthesia,
a metal anchor, or artificial root, is
placed into the jawbone. Bone grows
around the anchor. This takes about
three to six months.
Next, a "healing cap" is placed
when the implant is uncovered.
Then, the healing cap is removed
and a metal post, or abutment,
may be attached to the anchor.
When your gums and jawbone
have healed, an artificial tooth
is constructed, then screwed
or cemented to the post.
Fitting your new tooth properly
may take several appointments.
Brush and floss your implant at least twice daily, as you would your natural teeth. Be sure to brush the back of the abutments and floss around the front, back, and sides. Avoid chewing on hard objects or extremely sticky food. Proper dental care will keep your dental implants and your mouth healthy.