Implants
Purpose:
An implant acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is a surgical fixture placed into the jawbone and it fuses with the bone over time. They are made out of titanium alloy and are highly biocompatible. They serve as a foundation laid for artificial teeth that are made to match our natural teeth. Implants will act as the base and attach to crowns or even dentures.
Procedure:
During surgery, the dentist will make a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. Then the oral surgeon will then drill holes into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed. It will be placed deep into the bone and will serve as the replacement tooth root. After the implant is placed, you will need to wait for bone growth known as osseointegration. The jawbone will grow and unite with the surface of the dental implant. After the gum heals after a few months, you will have more impressions made of your mouth and remaining teeth. Then artificial teeth are made which are either removable, fixed or a combination of both. If the bone fails to fuse sufficiently with the implant, it is removed, the bone is cleaned, and then you could try it again in a few months.
