Implants

Implants

Before development of dental implants, dentures or bridges were the only
alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.

Dental implants are titanium cylinders that can be placed into the jawbone in a minor
and relatively painless surgical procedure. For instance, a patient who needs a
tooth extracted for any reason today can often have what is called an “immediate
implant” placed at the same time of the extraction. Implants are so well designed that
they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth.

Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant
to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune
system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.

Preserving Bone After Tooth Loss

The roots of your teeth are embedded in the upper or lower jaw bone, holding your
teeth firmly in the mouth. Teeth can be lost for a number of reasons, including
periodontal disease, which may cause bone loss and mobile teeth. Bone loss can
cause loose dentures, which can lead to sore spots, which can lead to the need for
dental adhesives. Loss of significant bone can lead to facial structure collapse and
even cause painful dentures when the denture rests on the nerve in the lower jaw.
One of the major benefits of having dental implants is it actually holds your bone
level in place and reduces or eliminates the loss of bone.