Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth, and is designed to provide the look, feel, and function as in natural teeth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws, where teeth are missing. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone (integration), and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth, and can also be used as strong support for partial or complete dentures.
There are many advantages when replacing missing teeth with implants. When you lose the entire tooth (crown and root) shrinkage of the jawbone will start causing bone weakness/resorption, teeth shifting, occlusion/bite change, and even make your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process by restoring the missing teeth to the closest natural form/shape/function. With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground or shaped down to be used as anchors or abutments for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth so that they preserve adjacent natural teeth. There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life!
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve the quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem. When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.
