A dental implant is a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Essentially, it is a small titanium post/fixture that is inserted into the jawbone, on top of which a single crown, a fixed bridge, a partial denture, or full denture can be attached. Once the implant integrates to your bone, a structure called an abutment is connected to the implant and then the artificial tooth/teeth are attached. Therefore, there are 3 parts to an “implant tooth”: the dental implant itself, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.

While bridges, crowns and dentures must be replaced and adjusted periodically throughout the years, dental implants are permanent. They don’t depend on the health of the surrounding teeth for stability like bridges do. Implant placement is a procedure with a 98 percent success rate.

When it is placed in your jawbone, the titanium post that forms the base of the implant fuses with your jawbone. This is part of the reason that this type of tooth restoration is so long-lasting. You aren’t just restoring the crown part of the tooth — you’re installing a replacement of the actual tooth root. It’s the only restoration option that stimulates bone growth in your jaw.

Dental implants can last for many years because they are not vulnerable to dental diseases like tooth decay. You may never need to replace your dental implant as long as it doesn’t become loose, develop an infection or is damaged in some way. For optimal care, you should visit your dentist every six months for a regular check-up and to ensure your dental implant is healthy and functioning normally.

Implants are frequently used to support and secure both full and partial dentures. They can be used whether the denture is removable or fixed.

Every case is different. After an initial consultation, your implant dentist should provide you with a treatment plan including the estimated amount of time to complete the process. The treatment time depends on each patient’s restoration needs, medical and dental histories, the condition of the jawbone, and the technique and materials that are used.

In most cases, dental implants are opted for replacement of a single or two tooth. Moreover, dental implants last for a very long time, which makes it a much cost effective dental procedure.