What are implants?
Dental implants are metal anchors placed in the jaw bone underneath the gum tissue to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Unlike other types of tooth replacements, such as removable dentures or fixed bridges that are cemented to remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed (“implanted”)into the jaw bone under the gum tissue. These implants are usually made from a space-age metal called titanium, which is readily accepted by the body, and artificial teeth that look like natural teeth are then attached to the implants. Accepted by the American Dental Association, dental implants have been used for many years, and hundreds of thousands have been placed. Due to a phenomenon known as “osteointegration” meaning that bone actually attaches itself to the implant, these anchors provide a strong foundation that allows people with missing teeth to chew efficiently and comfortably.
