Implants

If you are looking to replace a missing tooth, dental implants are the way to go. They are the closest thing to natural teeth on the market today. To be considered for dental implants, it is important that the patient have a strong immune system, high bone density, and, of course, excellent oral hygiene. 

Made from synthetic, bio-compatible materials, dental implants look like screws and mimic the root of a tooth. They are placed deep in your jaw and fuse with your natural bone. Normally they are used as the support of a permanent bridge or artificial tooth, but can also be used with dentures.

Dental implants do require surgery to first prepare the area of your jaw for the procedure and second to actually insert the implant; both steps are typically completed in 1-2 hours during one visit. Since this is a surgical procedure, anesthesia is administered before and during, and then antibiotics are typically prescribed afterwards to prevent any infection. Immediately after the surgery, there is a recovery time of anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient, for the implant to be fully anchored and fused with the bone. In special cases a follow-up procedure is required in order to properly connect the tooth, in which case a metal post may need to be placed.