They are made of titanium, and the bone cells are able to grow and fuse to them.
They can be used to replace any of your natural teeth, whether it is one or several that are missing.
They are not only aesthetically pleasing, they:
Replace the tooth and fill the hole the tooth root occupied
Stimulate the bone and stop bone loss
Prevent the necessity of having other teeth cut down to build bridges or crowns
Are bio-compatible
The most common are 'root form' implants that are screwed into your jawbone. There are also 'plate form' implants that sit directly on top of the jaw. If the jawbone is too short, narrow, or deteriorated for these types of implants, a subperiosteal implant, or jawbone implant can be used.
This will depend on the specific placement and design of the implant, the physiology of your mouth, gums and jaw, and how well you maintain them. Some implants have lasted up to thirty years.
Patients need all of their permanent teeth to have come in before implants can be used.
If you think dental implants can improve your smile and your life, contact us today to schedule your free cosmetic consultation.