Dental Implant

Living with missing teeth is a cosmetic issue that can impact self-confidence, a functional issue that can impact chewing and speaking habits, and a chronic issue, unbeknownst to most patients, that can change the very shape of your face.

Without real teeth, the jawbone lacks essential nourishment from the missing tooth roots. Over time, this causes “bone resorption,” a type of bone loss that reduces bone density and leads to weakening. When this happens, patients often seem to age very quickly due to the sunken appearance of their faces caused by the degradation.

A permanent dental implant is the only treatment for missing teeth that mimics the function of a real tooth root. It’s the next best thing to your own permanent teeth because it supports the jawbone and prevents the bone loss commonly observed in those with dentures.

Dental implants are usually made of titanium but can also be ceramic. They consist of three parts, only one of which is the “implant” or screw that fastens to the jaw and serves as a replacement for the tooth root. The other parts are the crown, which mimics the appearance of a real tooth, and the abutment, which holds the implant in place between each part.