What are Dental Implants?
Tooth replacement treatments have dramatically transformed over the past few decades in the field of dentistry. Dental implants are now regarded as the preferred method of tooth replacement compared to any other type of dental treatments. They look and feel just like natural teeth, and are very easy to care for.
Implants are like artificial roots that are placed into the bone and supported the same way a real tooth is held into place. The titanium material encourages natural bone formation around the implant root, so that it is secure. Implant roots are considered to be even stronger than natural teeth, and are designed to last a lifetime.
The treatment process
The first part of implant therapy is a consultation to determine if implants are appropriate for the patient based on their personal needs and the health of their bone. Then the patient comes back for surgical placement of the titanium implant roots into their bone. To encourage full support, the implant site may be allowed to heal for 3 or more months before placing a fixed prosthesis onto it. Once full healing and bone fusion has occurred, an abutment is attached to the implant, and a permanent restoration is cemented into place.
Implants can be used to replace as many teeth as necessary.
Most implants are used to replace single missing teeth with a porcelain crown, but they can also be used to mount multi-tooth dental bridges or full dentures. A full set of dentures can be placed on as few as 4 implant roots (sometimes called "All on 4 dentures.")
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