A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you'll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown – the visible part used to chew food, and both have a root that anchors the tooth securely into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints.
When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, a small artificial "root" is implanted in place where a tooth's real root would be, under local anesthesia. Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In many cases, a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. After the tissues around the implant fully heal, a new replacement tooth (crown) can be permanently secured onto the artificial root.
Dental implants are permanent, stable like real teeth, and are not reliant on neighboring teeth for support. They are an ideal tooth replacement option because they look and feel like natural teeth.
In addition to supporting replacement teeth, dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prosthetics, including bridges or dentures. This makes them perfect for patients who are unable to wear ordinary dentures. You can learn more in our Dental Prosthetics section.
Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes, so we recommend not to delay treatment. Smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Dental Implants are the most technologically advanced and longest lasting tooth replacement option available. Whether you need a single tooth replaced or are missing all your teeth, Dr. Smirnova can work with you to determine a configuration of implants that will completely restore your smile to its original, natural look and feel!