Another health advantage that implants provide over conventional bridgework is that implants prevent the necessity of having other teeth cut down, in order to build a bridge or crown, which is necessary in certain clinical situations. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in your bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. Dental implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted into the jawbone, and a protruding post, which is outfitted with an artificial tooth.
Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial denture or secure a fixed denture.
The process requires surgery and may take up to six months to complete. Several steps are usually necessary to place an implant. Depending on the type of implant, the steps may vary. In the first procedure under anesthesia, a metal anchor, or artificial root, is placed into the jawbone. Bone grows around the anchor.