Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial structures that a dental surgeon inserts into the jawbone. A person may require implants if they have lost one or more teeth.

In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that's reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process
• Don't smoke tobacco

Advantages

Dental Implants have several advantages over dentures, which are removable artificial teeth. Implants:

• are more natural and comfortable
• have a higher success rate
• improve chewing function
• lead to a lower risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth
• lead to better maintenance of bone at the site of the lost tooth
• cause decreased sensitivity in nearby teeth
• do not need to be taken out and cleaned every night