Dental Implants

Dental implants substitute the root portion of lost natural teeth. When placed in the jawbone, these small titanium posts bond with the bone and provide a stable foundation on which replacement teeth can be firmly attached. Osseointegration refers to the process in which titanium bonds to bone. Titanium is a biocompatible metal, which means it is compatible with body tissue. The speed at which the fusion of titanium to bone takes place depends on the type of bone in which it is placed. The osseointegration of a titanium implant may take anywhere from 3 to 9 months. Implants are a positive choice because a sliding lower denture makes chewing and talking very difficult. Implants can also replace individual teeth and partial bridges in the upper and lower jaws. Most healthy adults are able to consider dental implants. Your dentist, along with the oral-maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist can help you decide if dental implants are a good option for you.

In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• • 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 grafting procedure
• • Have healthy oral tissues
• • Don't have health conditions that will impair bone healing
• • Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• • Want to improve your speech or ability to chew