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Dental Implants

Before development of dental implants, dentures or bridges were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.

Implants are titanium root replacements that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants bond to the jawbone and act as a foundation for an single tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and quanity. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene and maintenance appointments.

Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like titanium or ceramic.

Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time (3-6 months) is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth.

Because implants require surgery, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the procedure.

Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and maintenance to ensure they last a long time.