There are many reasons to have dental implants for one or more missing teeth or being unable to wear dentures. Implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. The implants are small posts, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth or damaged teeth. Implants are different from some bridges or crowns because they are the most natural looking and natural feeling replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants don’t slip or click when you speak, laugh or eat.  Several dental procedures may be needed so that your bone can heal properly around the dental implant.

Benefits of a dental implant

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel  more natural like your own teeth, allowing you to speak normally without the worry that teeth may slip.
• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Implants don\’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does and improves oral hygiene.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience. A dental implant eliminates the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
• Secure fit. A single tooth implant is a stand-alone unit and doesn\’t involve treating the teeth next to it.
• Implants are a good value. They may seem more expensive, but they can last a lifetime if you take good care of them.

The titanium implant will fuse with your jawbone to provide a sturdy structure for the implant which means implants won\’t slip, make noise or cause damage to the bone. A connector (abutment), is placed on the top of the implant and connects to the replacement tooth. A dental crown is then fabricated to match your natural teeth so your teeth look natural. The implant helps maintain the position of the remaining teeth and helps keep your natural chewing and biting intact.

The dental implant surgery is performed in steps, depending on the type of implant and the health of your jawbone. The implant procedure requires the jawbone to heal tightly around the implant area to serve as the \”root\” of the artificial tooth.

What to expect when placing dental implants

• Remove the damaged tooth.
• Prepare the jawbone for surgery, which might include bone grafting.
• Once the jawbone heals, insert the implant into the gumline and allow the jaw time to heal around the implant.
• Once the bone heals, the surgeon will place the abutment (the piece that screws into the implant) and attach the crown on top, completing the full implant.

No dental implant procedures are alike, so the cost – as well as the number of appointments required or procedures performed will vary on your bone health and particular needs. You should discuss implant treatment carefully with the dentist. Dental implant treatment may take longer and cost more than other replacement options. But dental implants are often a good value because they can last a lifetime.