Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel, and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming a new standard in tooth replacement.
Doctors use a titanium implant fixture that, over time, actually fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement, which can sometimes happen with dentures. There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly, and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly.
Dental implants typically have three parts:
The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw.
The abutment: A permanent but removable by your doctor connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
The crown (or prosthetic tooth) is part of the tooth you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks.
You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. Surgeons will place four implants and then attach a full arch of teeth, giving the procedure its name (all teeth, only four implants). If you need to restore a full arch, you may be a perfect candidate for the full mouth teeth replacement treatment.