Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are aften superior to other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth.
Implants usually involve some healing time after they are placed in the bone to allow the bone to integrate with, or grow around the implant to stabilize it. The implant can then be restored using an attachment called an abutment which will serve as the base for a crown. The healing time will vary from a few weeks to a few months depending on the area being treated and the type of implant used. In limited situations, implants can also be placed and restored in the same appointment. This type of implant is called an immediate implant.
The main advantage of implants is that once they are restored, they look and function the same way that natural teeth do. They also keep the surrounding bone healthy and prevent it from shrinking away over time, which typically happens after a tooth has been lost.
Implants can also be used to support and stabilize full or partial dentures. The implants help to anchor the dentures so they fit more securely in the mouth. If you or someone you know has dentures that do not fit well, are loose, or cause sore spots by rubbing on the gums, implant supported dentures may be the answer. Please call our office for more information.