Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have a missing tooth. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants.
Is Dental Implant Surgery for You?
Dental implants aren’t the same thing as artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants are actually the threaded titanium cylinders that serve as the roots of missing teeth. The implant, sometimes called a post or cylinder, is surgically implanted in the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. An abutment, or extension, is attached on top of the metal cylinder. Finally, a realistic-looking artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the abutment, creating a three-piece device that completes your smile. You may have one tooth replaced with dental implant surgery or many.
Most healthy adults with missing teeth are able to have dental implants. Dr. Haque can help you decide if dental implants are a good option for you!
In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
- Have adequate bone to secure the implants, or are able to have a bone grafting procedure
- Have healthy oral tissues
- Don’t have health conditions that will impair bone healing
- Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
- Want to improve your speech
