In 1957, a Swedish surgeon realized that titanium could fuse with human bone. A few years later, he created a new tooth for a patient using a titanium post. Because of its compatibility with the human body, this material is still used to replace missing teeth! Here’s a little more information about dental implants. 

What Are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are made of three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the tooth replacement. The screw-like post (the actual implant) replaces the root of your missing tooth. The abutment connects your implant to the tooth replacement. Whether you’re missing one tooth or all your teeth, we can use dental implants. Dental implants are very versatile. Frequently the tooth restoration will be a dental crown. Implant-supported bridges are a great option for many people. Dentures can also be firmly attached with dental implants.

What’s the Dental Implant Process Like?

Before beginning the implant process, we’ll first determine if your jawbone is healthy enough. If it isn’t, bone grafts are often an option. Assuming you have good jawbone density, we’ll move forward. If we’re replacing only one or two teeth, you’ll likely receive conscious sedation with a local anesthetic. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but you’ll be relaxed and pain-free while we place the implant. During the healing process, the implant fuses to your jawbone through a process called "osseointegration." Once you’re healed from surgery, we’ll place the dental crown and you’ll have a new tooth!

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that fills the space previously occupied by the root of your tooth. This matters because without a tooth root, your jawbone atrophies over time. An implant keeps your jawbone strong and healthy. The other benefit? With proper oral hygiene, dental implants can easily last the rest of your life. The crown or bridge might need to be replaced at some point, but the implant itself should be fine. If you do experience problems, we offer implant restorations. 

Dental Implants at Atlantic Dental Partners in Malden & Jamaica Plain

Dental implants are a safe, effective tooth replacement with many benefits over other tooth replacements. While implants aren’t the right choice for everyone, many people enjoy restored smiles thanks to this treatment. To find out if dental implants are an option for you, please contact our office to book a consultation!