Dr. Ostad, D.D.S.
Cosmetic Dentistry
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used for the treatment of missing teeth. Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.
Here are some of the advantages:
- Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures).
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Dental implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss.
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Implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration.
- Osseointegration is the process by which direct anchorage of a dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs.
- Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant.
- An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal, at which point your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown.
- Once the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is done. If osseointegration does not occur, the implant will fail.
Contact your dentist today for your own personal consultation.