Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Implants are placed within the bone where the root of a natural tooth would have been. Restorations such as crowns, bridges and dentures can all be attached to dental implants.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.
Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.
Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device.After the proper amount of healing, the dentist will take impressions to instruct a lab to fabricate whichever restoration that you and the doctor have decided is your best option for tooth replacement.
Because implants require surgery, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the procedure.
Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.