Dental Implants

Dental implants are the next best thing to healthy, natural teeth. Strong and stable, a dental implant restores a lost tooth so that it looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.

Dental implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is accepted by the body and serves as a strong and sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Your natural bone locks the implant into place by fusing, or attaching itself, to the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, gives teeth replaced using implants the stability and strength to support replacement teeth.

Dental implant surgery is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry when performed by a trained and experienced implant dentist.

Because dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process, including a:

• Comprehensive dental exam. You will need to have dental X-rays taken and models made of your teeth.
• Treatment plan. Tailored to your situation, this plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need to have replaced and your individual needs and expectations.

What you can expect

Dental implant surgery is usually performed in stages:

• The damaged tooth is removed
• Your jawbone is prepared for surgery, a process that may or may not involve bone grafting
• After your jawbone heals, your implant dentist places the dental implant
• You go through a healing period that may last several months
• After the healing phase, your dentist will make a replacement tooth that will attach to the implant

The entire process can take several months from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw.