What is a dental implant and how does it work?
‘Dental Implant’ is a very generic term, but it basically today refers to a root-sized and shaped titanium metal screw or cylinder that replaces a tooth root. The size and shape vary some, and there are many ‘Brands’ fabricated, but they are all used to help replace missing teeth. The teeth can be replaced individually with an implant and a crown, or in groups such as fixed bridges. Implants can also be used as retention elements for partials and complete dentures, or as craniofacial retentive elements to hold on a prosthetic eye, ear or nose. The long-term success of today’s implants has made them a predictable and valuable treatment option for many patients and dentists.
A dental implant is a titanium root replacement that is placed into the bone. A healing phase follows, and during that time, the bone tightly “bonds” to the implant securing it in place. Following the healing phase, your restorative dentist can place a tooth on top of the dental implant which now acts as a titanium root. In some select instances, the implant can be placed at the time of the extraction to shorten the treatment time. Please refer to the case picture section for a before and after photo of a single tooth restored with implants.
