A dental implant is a titanium post (like a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows your dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. A dental implant doesn’t come loose like a denture can. Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they are not anchored to other teeth, like bridges.

Dental Implants have changed the face of dentistry over the last 25 years. What are dental implants? What is the history of dental implants? And how are they used to replace missing teeth? This section will give you an overview of the topic of dental implants, to be followed by more detail in additional areas.

As with most treatment procedures in dentistry today, dental implants involve scientific discovery, research and understanding, and application in clinical practice. The practice of implant dentistry requires expertise in planning, surgery, and tooth restoration; it is as much about art and experience as science. This site will help provide you with the knowledge to make informed choices in consultation with your dental health professionals.

Let’s start from the beginning: A dental implant replaces the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once surgically placed. They are used to secure crowns (the parts of teeth seen in the mouth), bridgework, or dentures by various means. They are made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong, and biocompatible, which means that the body does not reject it. Titanium and titanium alloys are the most widely used metals in dental and other bone implants, such as orthopedic joint replacements. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device. And there are different types of dental implants.

Titanium’s unique property of fusing to bone, called osseointegration (“Osseo” – bone; “integration” – fusion or joining with), is the biological basis of dental implant success. That’s because when teeth are lost, the bone that supports those teeth is lost too. Placing dental implants stabilizes the bone, preventing its loss. Besides replacing lost teeth, implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape and density. This means they also support the facial skeleton and, indirectly, the soft tissue structures — gum tissues, cheeks, and lips. Dental implants help you eat, chew, smile, talk, and look completely natural. This functionality imparts social, psychological, and physical well-being.

The big question is, “Are dental implants right for me?” The section on understanding dental implants will describe the factors that contribute to implant success, including:

 Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Generally speaking, you are a candidate for dental implants if you have lost teeth. However, you must be in good health as some conditions and diseases can affect whether dental implants are right for you. For example, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, radiation to the jaws, smoking, alcoholism, or uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease may affect whether dental implants will fuse to your bone. It is essential to let your dental surgeon know all about your medical status (past and present) together with all medications you are taking, whether prescribed, alternative (herbal), or over-the-counter.