FAQ » What are Single-Tooth Implants?

What are Single-Tooth Implants?

Implants are surgically placed titanium cylinders that serve as artificial tooth roots in the bone of your jaw. Often, implants are an excellent option for replacing one or a few missing teeth - a problem that affects millions of people. Why are impla nts often a good choice for tooth replacement?

• Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
• They're stable and secure, so you won't notice them when you chew or speak.
• When we place an implant, it's not necessary for us to alter the structure of the adjacent teeth; their strength and integrity is maintained.
• Implants are extremely durable, so they're unlikely to ever break or crack.
• And finally, a dental implant is a permanent solution; unlike a bridge, an implant will never wear out. Implants are expensive, however, and dental insurance typically will only cover only a portion of the procedure, if any. Also, the healing pro cess takes anywhere from nine months to a year, so patience is necessary.

What happens during the procedure?

First, panographic X-rays are taken to make sure there is adequate bone in your jaw to support the titanium cylinder. We may also take a blood test to be sure there are no health issues that would hamper your healing. We will create models of your mou t h, which allow us to make precise measurements and pinpoint the exact location of the implant. Next, the implants are placed. The gum covering the spot where the implant will go is lifted back and the cylinder is placed in your jawbone. The gum is then su jawbone. The gu
tured, completely covering the implant. You'll wear a temporary bridge while the bone tissue in your jaw fuses to the implant; this process is called osseointegration, and can take as long as nine months. Once your jaw heals completely, the second procedumpletely, the se|_ò re is performed. The implant is exposed, a bar is placed on the post, and a natural looking tooth is attached to the bar.

Will implants work for me?

We will thoroughly evaluate your overall health and lifestyle to determine if an implant is a good solution for you. You must be in good overall health, with healthy gums and adequate bone structure, for implants to be successful. If you have a system i c disease such as uncontrolled diabetes, or if you clench or grind your teeth at night (a condition called bruxism), it's likely that you're not a good candidate for implants. This is also true if you're a smoker, or if you consume alcohol frequently. Poosystem r oral hygiene is one of the primary reasons for implant failure, so if you get implants, you must be willing to floss and brush daily, and see us as often as four