IMPLANTS

Implants benefit those who are missing a tooth and are the most recommended alternative so long as there is enough bone in the jaw. An implant is a titanium screw takes the place of the tooth room. The screw can have either a roughened or smooth surface. Nowadays, they are made of alloy and are treated to increase the surface area. An implant crown is installed onto the screw.

An osteotomy is a precision hole which is drilled into the jawbone. After which, the implant is in carefully inserted into the osteotomy. An incision will be made in the gum in order to expose the jawbone. A suture is used to close the site. This procedure generally takes about an hour. The patient will be given time to recover while still under general anesthesia. Then the patient is sent home with a companion of their choice

In most cases, a couple of months is needed for the healing and integration (known as osseointegration) of the implant with the jawbone.

The advantage to having an implant as opposed to a bridge, is that you do not disturb two healthy teeth which is surrounding the bridge. Also, flossing is much easier with an implant.