Dental Implants

Dental implants are made from titanium metal that “fuse” to the jawbone. Once an implant is healed or osseointegrated, it is ready for a restoration.

A dental implant can have three parts:

1. the implant that fuses to the bone
2. an abutment which is a small post the fits over the implant at the gum level
3. a crown that fits over the post. Sometimes the abutment and crown are fused together into one component

Dental implants can be used for a variety of reasons:

1. To replace a single missing tooth instead of a dental bridge
2. To replace multiple missing teeth with an implant-supported bridge
3. To replace an entire arch, jaw, of teeth with an implant-retained or implant-supported denture

While dental implants are a solution for all people, there are some categories of patients that are higher risk for implants:

• Those with compromised medical histories
• Smokers
• Uncontrolled diabetics
• Patients with severe periodontal disease

The first step in implant planning is to determine the quality and quantity of remaining bone. If a tooth is going to be extracted and a future implant may be planned, a bone preservation graft is commonly indicated to help preserve the remaining bone.

Schedule an appointment with us to see if a Dental Implant is right for you!