Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or can support a full set of dentures. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. They are made of titanium (a strong, lightweight metal) and other materials that are accepted by the human body.
Dental Implant
Dental implants are used where there are one or more missing teeth. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they may also function as a sturdy anchor for dentures. Because they fuse with your jawbone, you will still have a certain amount of sensation when you chew and talk, even though you have an artificial tooth.
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RealAge answeredSubperiosteal dental implants hold dental bridges or crowns that are shaped and colored to look like your real teeth. With subperiosteal dental implants in place, you will look like you have a full set of natural teeth. -
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RealAge answeredSee All 2 AnswersRoot form dental implants hold crowns that are shaped and colored to look like your real teeth. With root form dental implants in place, you will look like you have a full set of natural teeth.
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RealAge answeredPlate form dental implants hold dental bridges or crowns that are shaped and colored to look like your real teeth. With plate form dental implants in place, you will look like you have a full set of natural teeth.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 5 AnswersNothing can take the place of a healthy set of natural teeth. But when disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, it’s good to know that dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth because they help to preserve the bone after teeth are lost or extracted. They also offer firm support to man-made teeth such as bridges or dentures. The secure fit helps them feel more natural than typical bridges or dentures. They are a good value because they can last a lifetime with good care.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 7 AnswersThere are several benefits of dental implants:
- an implant is most similar to a natural tooth
- adjacent teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure
- implants may decrease or help prevent shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 4 Answers
There are generally three phases to getting an implant:
- First, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. There may be some swelling and/or tenderness after the surgery, so pain medication is usually prescribed. Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
- Next comes osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time. Some patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
- Finally, it’s time for the placement of the artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, your dentist will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based on size, shape, color and fit and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. Implant-supported bridges or dentures are also made to fit your mouth and your implants. Once completed, the man-made teeth are attached to the implant posts. (Note: The prosthesis usually takes some time to make. In the meantime, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.)
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 4 AnswersAs someone who has had one, let me put in my two cents! The procedure did not hurt at all. The surgeon anesthetized the area the same as for a filling, but a few more shots. Then he drilled a hole in the bone for the implant and screwed it in. I actually almost fell asleep until he started screwing it in. It was under 30 minutes, and I walked out of there and went back to work. That afternoon, it was a bit sore, and I took ibuprofen three times a day, and it was all I needed for the next few days. In addition to the implant, I had a sinus lift and bone graft at the same time, and I wasn't even aware he was doing that. Then for a few weeks, I had to be careful brushing near the area so that I didn't brush the tissue around the implant.
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RealAge answeredSee All 5 AnswersAlthough it depends upon personal preference and cost, more and more people are choosing dental implants over bridges. Bridges require that adjacent teeth be prepared to allow placement of an artificial crown and bridge to support the artificial tooth or teeth that will fill in the gap. It may be undesirable that healthy teeth have to be prepared for an artificial tooth to fill the gap. Implants, on the other hand, do not require the destruction and restoration of adjacent teeth. However, a bridge can look and feel like real teeth. An implant consists of the implant itself, a post extension, and a crown, and also looks and feels exactly like a real tooth. But implants can often cost more than a bridge. Talk with your dentist about the option that may be best for you.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 AnswersIf you are missing a tooth but you are in good general health, with healthy gums and a jawbone that can support an implant, implant treatment may be an option for you. (However, keep in mind that in many cases, third molars -- called "wisdom teeth" -- do not require replacement.) Health is more a factor than is your age. For example, chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. And if you use tobacco, you are at greater risk of experiencing gum disease, which can weaken the bone and tissues needed to support the implant.