A dental implant is a form of tooth replacement. A complete implant includes a root form, usually made of titanium, an abutment—or connector—and a dental crown.
As a treatment option for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are second to none. If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant can be an excellent choice. If you wear dentures, dental implants can help you avoid a debilitating condition called “facial collapse.”
Dental Implants Procedure
The dental implant process includes surgery, a healing period, and attaching a crown to the implant.
First, the root form is surgically implanted in the jaw bone. During a period of healing (called osseointegration), the bone of the jaw grows tightly around the root form. This healing process is usually several weeks, though it may vary from person to person.
Increasingly sophisticated techniques for root form placement continue to decrease the time required for healing. Root form placement is also part of the implant process most vulnerable to error. You can have confidence in Dr. Perry’s extensive dental implant training and meticulous attention to protocols.
When the root form site has healed completely, the dental crown is placed. A well-done dental implant is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Additional Considerations
- You must be in good enough health to tolerate the root form implant surgery. If you are unable to undergo surgery, a dental bridge or dentures might be a better choice for you.
- If the teeth adjacent to the space of the missing tooth are intact and in good health, a dental implant can be placed without altering those adjacent teeth. If the adjacent teeth need treatment, then a dental bridge might be a better choice. See our page on dental bridge vs implant for more information.
- If you are missing a tooth in the very back of your mouth, any kind of removable appliance will likely be unstable and uncomfortable. A dental implant is almost always the best choice for replacing a missing back molar.