Dental implants
Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, support a denture or restore an entire mouth.
Implants come in different shapes and textures.
Implants are made of titanium. Titanium unlike other metals is not rejected by the body. Titanium is very strong and is biologically inert. To be a candidate for a dental implant two criteria must be met. Your gum tissue should be healthy overall and there must be enough bone present to support the implant.
Following the extraction of a tooth the supporting bone begins to shrink both in height and width. Even if the bone shrinkage has been excessive an implant may still be an option. Depending on the situation, a periodontist may be able to grow back the lost bone using regenerative procedures so that an implant can be placed.
Implants can be used to support a bridge, a removable denture or a fixed denture.
Your periodontist and dentist will discuss the available options and benefits of each.