Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace single teeth, multiple single teeth or to support full or partial dentures.Implants are not for everyone. You must be in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implant(s). You must be willing to see your dentist several times until the work is done, and take very good care of your implant(s). In addition, implants can cost more than other kinds of replacement teeth.

It's normal for bone to shrink if it no longer has teeth to support. Because an implant is placed into the bone, the bone is less likely to shrink. But if you have been missing teeth for some time, you may not have enough bone to support an implant. A bone graft can build up the bone so it can support an implant. Here's how an implant is done:

Here's how an implant is done:

Step 1 Your dentist, oral surgeon or periodontist will put a small metal post (root form) into your jawbone.

Step 2 Over time, usually 4-6 months, the post will bond with the bone around it.

Step 3 After the implant has integrated, it will be uncovered with a healing cap to make the opening circular.

Step 4 An implant abutment will be attached to the root form in your jaw and a crown will be made to fit the abutment. For removable appliances, a ball type attachment or other type of attachment will be placed on the root form. The post (or implant) will act like an anchor to hold one or more false teeth in place.

Alternatively, mini implants, placed directly through your gums and into the bone can be used if the available bone is not enough for a traditional implant. These also have a shorter healing time and snap into housing placed in the partial or full denture.

Because implants stick to the bone, false teeth attached to implants look and act much like natural teeth. But implants are not as strong as natural teeth. You must brush and floss your implant(s) very carefully. Be gentle, but make sure you brush all sides of your implant(s). A toothbrush that has longer bristles at the tip may help clean behind your implant(s).

Floss very carefully at least once a day. You will need to be gentle with the floss where the implant meets the gum.