WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
A dental implant is a titanium-based prosthesis that we use in order to replace missing teeth. It functions as would a crown on one of your natural teeth -- and in this case it connects to the abutment which connects to the implant itself.
How do dental implants work? What are the parts?
A dental implant is made up of three parts: the first part is the implant itself which is surgically placed in the bone (in the office). The second part is the abutment - the part that connects the implant to the implant crown. The third and final part is the implant crown. It functions as would a crown on one of your natural teeth -- and in this case it connects to the abutment which connects to the implant itself.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
The main advantage of dental implants is that they can replace missing teeth without affecting the neighboring teeth. For example, if you are missing a single tooth, one option could be to drill the teeth in front and behind the space, and place a three-unit bridge (that is cemented in place). Another option would be to have a removable denture or flipper-type device that replaces the missing tooth, that you take in and out at night. A second important advantage of Dental Implants is that unlike real teeth, implants do not get decay. Thus, when you are faced with a decision to have a root canal, post and crown or have a Dental Implant, the implant is often a better option because the Dental Implant will almost always last longer
How long does it take to have an Dental Implant placed?
The procedure to have an Dental Implant placed can often take less than 30 minutes. However, the time to go from start to finish -- implant placement to completed crown - is usually in the 3-9 month range because of the time is takes for the implant to osseointegrate (fuse with the bone). If the amount of bone for placing the Dental Implant was limited, and a bone graft was placed, it may take a few months more because the bone graft has to heal in place as well.
