Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a dental surgeon places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, as the result of an injury, or for some other reason.

While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Step 1		The gum is gently folded back and a space is prepared for the implant to be placed.
Step 2		The dental implant “anchor” is put into place.
Step 3		The gum tissue is replaced over the implant and the implant is left alone for several months, so the bone can attach to the implant and create a secure anchor.
Step 4		After the implant has has a chance to attach to the bone tissue, the excess gum tissue is removed from above the implant.
Step 5		The temporary cap is removed from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor.
Step 6		The implant is now ready for a prosthesis, which your dentist will add.

What are dental implants used for?

There are two basic uses for implants.

1. As an artificial root for a single tooth replacement.
2. As anchors for a fixed or removable prosthesis to replace multiple teeth.

Teeth before implants	Teeth after implants

For more information, you may like to look at Dr Weinberg's article on dental implants.