Dental Implants
What you should know about Dental Implants
Dental Implants can replace one tooth or multiple implants can replace all of your teeth. They can also support full dentures to stabilize, hold in and dramatically improve function. Your dentist can help you determine if they are the right procedure for you.
The concept of an implant is similar to a natural tooth which has a crown which you see and a root below the gum which anchors into the bone. An Implant is a specialized titanium screw which is precisely fitted to a socket in your bone. Implants are placed by gently exposing the bone, preparing a new precision socket into your bone and then screwing the implant into place. Your bone then grows and adheres to the implant and become 'integrated' or part of your bone. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months or more. After that the implant is ready for the top portion or abutment which protrudes thru the gum tissue. A crown is then placed on the abutment and ready to eat with.
With dentures the process is simplified because the implant is improving the function of the denture and not carrying the full weight of your bite. The implants can usually start functioning and providing support the day of surgery. How many implants are needed to support the dentures depends on the size or diameter of the implant and the amount of bone available.