Dental implants are used to replace lost or damaged teeth. The dentist inserts a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which serves as the support for a crown. These implants are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth. Once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place. Patients need to practice diligent oral hygiene during the implant placement period and after the implant procedure is completed to clean plaque and food debris from the area.
Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won't slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can't decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can.
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 graft
Have healthy oral tissues
Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing
Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
Want to improve your speech
Are willing to commit several months to the process
Don't smoke tobacco
Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks. Problems are rare, though, and when they do occur they're usually minor and easily treated. Risks include:
Infection at the implant site
Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin
Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities
