Our teeth and their supporting jawbones create fullness and define the contours of our face.  Once a tooth is removed, its underlying supporting jawbone starts to shrink.   This is why the face of people who have lost their teeth looks imploded and has an older appearance.

Traditionally, the missing teeth were replaced by bridges or partial dentures.  Dental implant is an alternative to these conventional techniques with better esthetic results and will prevent the bone loss associated with the tooth loss.

Dental Implants are substitute or replacement tooth roots. A tooth consists of a crown and a root. The crown is that part of the tooth which is visible in the mouth. The root is under the gum tissue, surrounded by the bone. The crown is supported by the root portion, which is attached to the bone. Implants are placed into the bone so that a prosthetic crown (the visible part of your tooth) can be firmly attached. State-of-the-art technology in implant dentistry makes it possible to provide replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth

The first step in Dental Implant is for the dentist to determine the best location and position of the artificial roots.  A titanium cylinder is surgically inserted in the jawbone and is allowed to heal for 2-6 months.  During this time, the dentist will provide a temporary bridge or denture for the patient.  Therefore, the patient can resume his/her normal activities.  The bone will grow around the inserted titanium cylinder and will ensure that it is secured in its location. 

Once the bone is healed, the tissue around the head of the implant cylinder is exposed, an impression is taken and the prosthetic crown, bridge or denture is sent to the dental laboratory for fabrication.  On a subsequent appointment, the prosthetic restoration is delivered.

Dental implants have come a long way since early 90s and are less expensive with much better outcome.  Nevertheless, they are still considered state-of-the-art for tooth replacement and are an active area of research.