What is a dental implant?
An implant is a small screw made of a biocompatible material and placed in the jawbone. It replaces the root of a missing tooth and supports a crown, a bridge or a denture.
Dental implants
The implant acts as an artificial root. Once placed in the bone, it gradually bonds with it during a healing period: this is called osseointegration. It then becomes a stable anchor onto which the dentist fixes the visible part, most often a crown made by a dental laboratory.
An implant can replace a single tooth, several adjacent teeth with an implant-supported bridge, or be used to stabilise a complete denture when all the teeth in an arch are missing. The choice depends on your situation, the amount of bone available and your expectations.
The main advantage is that the neighbouring teeth are left untouched, unlike with a conventional bridge, and that chewing becomes comfortable again. The bone beneath the missing tooth also continues to be stimulated, which helps limit its loss over time.
Before any decision, a clinical examination and an X-ray, possibly in 3D, allow the dentist to check that an implant is suitable for your case and to explain the possible alternatives.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.
Other questions in this section
- Should I choose an implant or a bridge?
- Can an implant be placed when there is not enough bone?
- Does having an implant placed hurt?
- How long does implant treatment take?
- How long does an implant last and how should I look after it?
- What affects the cost of an implant?
- The treatment in detail : Dental implants
- See the whole section
- All frequently asked questions