What's a Dental Implant?

Just like a real tooth, a dental implant has two parts. A real tooth has a root that attaches it to the jaw; in a dental implant, the “root” is a piece of metal made of titanium. The crown of a real tooth is the white part you see and eat with. A dental implant has a prosthetic tooth made to look just like your own teeth. Technically, the dental implant replaces both the root and crown of one or more natural teeth.

Why Do I Need a Dental Implant?

If you have missing teeth, it can make it hard to chew food, which can affect your overall nutrition. Missing teeth can also change the alignment of the remaining teeth, as they may shift into the open space. The empty socket of a missing tooth can trap food particles and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Finally, your appearance is affected when you have one or more missing teeth, especially if they are near the front of your mouth.

How is a Dental Implant Attached?

First, you must have enough healthy strong bone in your jaw to provide an anchor for the implant; if not, you may need a bone graft, which is a separate procedure. The first step in the process is to create a socket in the jaw bone; the dental implant is placed into the socket. You will need to wait about three months for the bone and implant to heal completely and fuse together before the final prosthetic tooth is placed.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Implant?

Almost anyone can have a dental implant. If you're in good general health, a dental implant shouldn't cause any more problems than other routine dental procedures. If you have diabetes or heart disease, you may need a little extra care before the procedure, so your dentist may recommend you see your family doctor. It's also important that your teeth otherwise be in good condition; fillings or gum problems should be dealt with before you have an implant.