Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted surgically into the bone in your upper and/or lower jaw as the case may be. A dental implant replaces the root portion(s) of any teeth or tooth that you may have lost over time. Once a dental implant is fully integrated or healed into the bone in your jaw a crown is placed over top of the implant to replace the upper or “crown” portion of the lost tooth. Implants are most often, but not always, placed surgically by a specialist that your dentist will refer you to. Your case may require the placement of multiple implants, and the final prosthesis may be crowns and bridges “fixed” to the implant, or a denture that clips onto a bar that is connected to the implants.

The most popular use for dental implants today is to replace a single lost tooth, and this option has become routine and highly successful. While the initial cost is higher than replacing the lost tooth with a traditional bridge, a dental implant does not require possibly shaving or reducing two “virgin” teeth to make the bridge. In such a situation a dental implant is a more conservative and “healthier” option. In the long run this approach is also less likely to lead to long term complications, and may in fact be more cost-effective.