FAQs about Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?
Are dental implants sucessful?
What does treatment involve?
How much do implants cost?
Will dental implants work for me ?
Is old age a problem?
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?
How will dental implants affect my life?
Will my new teeth look natural?
Before & After

Q. What is a dental implant?

A. The dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant can be placed in the upper or lower jaw. Each implant is placed into a socket carefully drilled at the precise location of the intended tooth. If an implant has a screw-thread on its outer surface it can be screwed into

position and if it does not, it is usually tapped into place. The main aim during installation of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into microscopic roughnesses on the implant surface. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures.