New Dental Implants are a very attractive and durable alternative to dentures. A dental implant is an innovative artificial tooth and root replacement that resembles one or more missing teeth.

There are two types of dental implants, osseointegrated and fibrointegrated. The osseointegrated is more widely used. A Titanium screw is used where the bone and the implant is formed. The hole that is drilled into the jawbone for the screw is called an osteotomy.

Dental implant surgery is usually performed by general practice dentists as an outpatient under general anesthesia assuming several are done at one time. Local anesthesia is all that is needed for a single application.

Sometimes multiple surgeries are needed over a period of months when it involves bone grafting and heal time. It is critical to the success of the implant for the screw to properly graft to the bone. While the screw is grafting to the bone, the patient wears a temporary tooth to allow better chewing without disrupting the screw.

Smoking increases the failure rate proper grafting. It is therefore advised by many dentist that you give up smoking before considering implants.

The latest technology has enabled new dental implants to be virtually indistinguishable from one's natural teeth. They are the permanent solution to tooth decay since they are immune to cavities. However, dental implants are still susceptible to cracking and becoming loose. Therefore, they do still require proper dental care and routine dental check-ups.

Pros:

Look and feel like natural teeth

No cavities

90-95% success rate

Increased self-esteem with an improved smile

No more denture adhesives

No more dentures slipping or falling out

Cons:

Can be expensive and often not covered by insurance