What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor.

In this procedure, a missing tooth root is replaced by a dental implant which helps to preserve the integrity of facial structures and preserves the structure of neighboring teeth. A dental implant involves placing a titanium implant "root" into the bone of the jaw. Dental implants prevent jaw bone resorption and preserves facial integrity.

Success or failure of implants depends on the health of the person receiving it, drugs which impact the chances of osseointegration and the health of the tissues in the mouth. Dental implasnts have mostly been successful because of a biocompatible material, titanium. A dental implant titanium root bonds with your jaw bone essentially replacing the body's natural tooth root. Once a dental implant has infused with the jaw bone it can be used to support a crown, bridge or denture.

Dental implants are an excellent option to replace partial dentures and are also an excellent foundation to support full arch dentures. A dental implant looks and feels like a natural tooth and has a higher success rate than all other forms of tooth replacement. The initial cost for a dental implant may be slightly higher than old traditional forms of tooth replacement, but the long term benefits easily outweigh the difference in additional cost.