Dental implants are a fixed solution to replace missing teeth. They are natural-looking replacement teeth that are connected directly to your jawbone. Using materials that are compatible with your body, the dental implant’s titanium post is surgically implanted into your jawbone so that it can join to the bone. A dental implant provides you with a permanent solution that mimics the fit and feel of your natural teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Your individual teeth are surrounded by a bone that supports it. After losing a tooth, the supporting alveolar bone begins to disintegrate, giving your mouth a caved-in appearance. In addition, the loss of teeth will cause your nearby teeth to shift affecting your bite, jaw muscles, jaw joints and overall aesthetics. Dental implants provide benefits over other tooth replacement procedures, including:
- A realistic and natural look
- A reduction of bone loss
- A natural facial contour and appearance
- The ability to preserve existing teeth
- Restoring the ability to chew foods with confidence
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure requires time for the implant to fuse with your jawbone before the implant crown can be attached. This process can take a few months to complete. In some cases, it can take longer if bone grafting is needed to build up the bone so it can support the implant.