Dental implants are a restorative dental procedure used to replace one or more missing teeth. The procedure typically involves several visits to the dentist's office over a period of several months.
During the first visit, your dentist will surgically place a small titanium post into the jawbone to serve as the anchor for the implant. Over the next several weeks, the post will fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration.
Once the post has fully fused with the bone, your dentist will attach a connector piece called an abutment to the post, which will serve as the anchor for the replacement tooth or teeth.
Finally, the replacement tooth or teeth will be attached to the abutment, completing the implant restoration process. Dental implants can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, and can last for many years with proper care and regular checkups.
Dental implants offer many benefits over other restorative dental procedures, including improved appearance, comfort, and functionality. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw and can improve overall oral health. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be an excellent option for restoring your smile and your confidence.