Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn't fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don't allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.
ADVANTAGES
There are many advantages to dental implants, including:
PROCEDURE
Dental implant, made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth by minor surgical procedure. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implant, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks depending on the immunity of the patient.
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post -- called an abutment -- is attached to the dental implant to securely hold the new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, impressions of your teeth is taken and model of your bite is created . The new tooth or teeth is based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment and fixed.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care (see below), implants can last a lifetime.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.