What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Over a few months the bone bonds to the implant, creating a foundation as strong as a natural root. An abutment and a custom crown are then attached on top, giving you a tooth that looks, feels and chews like your own.
Unlike bridges, implants don’t require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth, and unlike dentures, they don’t move, slip or cover the palate. They also stimulate the bone, helping prevent the facial collapse that follows tooth loss.
Who are implants for?
- One or several missing teeth
- Teeth that are broken beyond repair or failing root canals
- Loose bridges or uncomfortable partial dentures
- Full or upper/lower denture wearers who want fixed teeth
- Patients whose remaining teeth are failing and need a full-arch solution
The single implant process
- Consultation & 3D scan. Exam and CBCT imaging to measure bone and plan implant position.
- Implant placement. The implant is placed under local anesthesia, usually in under an hour per implant.
- Healing (3 to 6 months). You go home while the implant integrates with the bone.
- Abutment & crown. On your second trip, a custom zirconia crown is fitted and adjusted to your bite.