Dental implants are a solution for lost or severely broken-down teeth. They restore not only the form and function of normal, healthy teeth, but they also engender a self confidence and outlook that many people with missing teeth may have lost. Patients with dental implants will boast: “I can eat whatever I want,” and “I have my beautiful smile back again.”
What are dental implants?
Dental implants themselves have two parts. The first part is the small titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone where the tooth or teeth are missing. This is typically referred to as the implant. These titanium posts or screws act as tooth root substitutes. They are threaded and have a porous surface which ultimately gives them their strength and ability to support a crown.
The second part of the dental implant is the actual crown or cap that is secured to the post or screw. A good analogy of this is a house and its foundation: the post is like the foundation of a house, and the crown of the tooth is the house itself. It’s just that simple. Usually, an oral surgeon will place the post in the bone, and your dentist will fabricate the crown to go on top of the post.
The surgical portion of this procedure may be done with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or with local anesthesia alone. This procedure is very well tolerated and most patients can’t believe how “quick and easy” it truly is. The bone — over a period of time — fuses to the surface of the implant. This is called osseointegration, and is what gives the implant its strong foundation.
Dental implants represent a wonderful treatment option for replacing missing or non-restorable teeth for nearly all patients, and many different treatment options exist. At Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implant Specialists of Middlesex, we pride ourselves on staying on the cutting-edge of technology, while providing the highest level of care, in a warm and comforting environment.
If you have questions about dental implants or would like a consultation, we would be happy to meet you and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. You may schedule an appointment any time by calling 908-222-0040, or on our website under the Request Appointment tab.