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Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.
Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural and some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.
Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Implants are a screw-like device made of titanium, which is surgically placed in the bone. Once the implant is placed, it is left alone for a period of 3-6 months for healing to occur and for the implant to integrate with the bone in the area. Once this is done, the implant is uncovered and a healing cap is placed on top. Once the healing cap is removed, a crown is fabricated to fit over the implant. Once the crown is placed, it feels just like a natural tooth to the patient. The major advantage of an implant is that a tooth is restored back to its original health without disturbing the adjacent teeth involved in the area.