Dental Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that attach to the jaw bone so they fit, feel, and look like natural teeth. Implants are composed of three main components: the implant post that attaches to the jaw bone; the prosthetic tooth, which can be shaped and tinted to blend in with the neighboring teeth; and an abutment piece that attaches the tooth to the post. In recent years, dental implants have become extremely popular alternatives to bridges and dentures.

Are implants better than bridges or dentures?

Dental implants offer several advantages compared to bridges and dentures:

• Implants are attached to the jaw bone so the fit is more secure and more comfortable -- more like natural teeth.
• Implants require no special care; they can be cared for just like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing and routine trips to the dentist.
• They can’t slip like dentures and they won’t become loose when eating or create sore spots from repeated slippage.
• Because they extend into the bone, they promote and support the normal bone replacement cycle in the jaw bone, helping to prevent bone loss that can lead to additional tooth loss. Dentures and bridges rest on top of the gums and can do nothing to prevent bone atrophy.

What is the implant procedure like?

Dental implant placement usually requires three visits. During the first visit, the post is implanted into the jaw bone, then allowed to remain undisturbed for several weeks so the bone tissue can bond with the post -- a process called osseointegration. If the jaw bone is very thin and does not provide enough support for the implant, a bone graft may be performed to supplement the existing bone. The graft can usually be performed at the same time as the post-placement. Once the post has become integrated with the jaw bone, the abutment is attached during the second office visit and an impression is made and sent to the lab where the artificial tooth is created. At the third visit, the tooth is attached to the abutment and gently shaped and buffed for a perfect fit.