A tooth consists of a crown and a root. The crown is that part of the tooth which is visible in the mouth. The root is under the gum tissue, surrounded by the bone. The crown is supported by the root portion, which is attached to the bone.

Dental implants are a small anchor made of titanium (biocompatible material) that substitutes missing natural tooth roots. Dental implants are placed in to the jawbone to take place of the missing tooth root. After osseointegration, or when the surrounding bone has attached to the implant, a prosthetic crown can be firmly attached to the implant. The new tooth looks, feels, and performs just like your natural teeth.

Loss of natural teeth can dramatically alter your facial appearance and affect your attitude towards life. Missing teeth can lead to loss of self-esteem and embarrassment. Dental implants can help you regain your natural smile, improving your appearance and self- confidence. Overall health is improved with the ability to eat virtually anything with ease, and self-confidence is renewed with the knowledge that appearance is natural once again.

» Esthetics: When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. This unhealthy bone loss can make your jaw line recede and cause your face to look older. Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape. Since dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, they naturally enhance your appearance. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.

» Tooth saving: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth. Dental implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!

» Improves nutrition and health: Inability to eat certain foods creates digestive and nutritional problems. Implant-supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth that allow you to eat your favorite foods. Foods that were forbidden are now back in the diet.

» Comfort: Because dental implants are securely anchored, there is no slipping or movement as there is with dentures. Implants eliminate the need for distasteful adhesives. There is no longer a need to use "glue" when your prosthesis is anchored to implants. This eliminates some of the key worries of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain from exposed nerves.

» Confidence and boosted self-esteem: With dental implants, you'll never need to cover your mouth when laughing, smiling, or speaking. You can eat your favorite foods without pain or fear of embarrassment - and taste every bite. You'll look better, feel better, and live more confidently. Once you experience the benefits of new and permanent teeth, you may well experience renewed confidence and improved quality of life as well.

» Reliability: The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

The dental implant procedure is divided in two phases:

» Phase I: Using very accurate surgical techniques the implants are placed into dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in the jawbone. And the healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from 3-6 months to ensure a strong base (osseointegration).

» Phase II: Creating and fixing the new tooth or teeth to the implant structure constitutes the second and final phase. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or your dentures.

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