Your teeth are meant for life, so it is important to have a complete set for proper smiling speaking, and chewing. If food is not chewed properly, the nutrients in that food will not be properly absorbed. Missing teeth may also cause adjacent teeth to tip, drift or be affected by unnatural wear, eventually leading to changes in the way you talk, eat and smile. For that reason, replacing a missing tooth or teeth is important. One method of restoring a missing tooth is by placing a dental implant.
A dental implant is a substitute for your natural tooth root. A small metal screw made of titanium—which is a metal that the body easily accepts—takes the place of the root and provides a place to attach an artificial tooth, or in some cases, a group of artificial teeth over a number of implanted posts.
One of our dentists will assess your overall condition and discuss what options are available to you. If you are in good overall health, you have good oral health and the bone in your jaw is strong enough to support a dental implant, it may be presented to you as a treatment option.
Placing a dental implant takes a number of dental appointments. The process begins with surgically inserting the implant into the jaw.
Once the bone and the implant have firmly fused together, a replacement tooth is constructed and fitted into place. A completed dental implant will look, feel and function like a natural tooth. Implants still need to be cared for like your natural teeth—with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups and cleanings.
Implants can also be used to support complete dentures. Conventional removable dentures attach to the jaw with a suction effect. Over time the jaw-bone may deteriorate causing inadequate support and retention. Consequently the denture will no longer fit properly and will move around. The placement of dental implants provides a stable foundation for the removable denture while helping preserve the jaw-bone. The denture snaps into place over the implants and can easily be removed for cleaning.