Dental implant

A dental implant is used to replace for a missing natural tooth. First, a titanium post is surgically placed into the  bone beneath the gum line. It acts as a root. After the healing time, artificial tooth/teeth will be mounted on top of the post(s). 

• Look and feel like a tooth
• Easy to eat
• Improve speech
• Does not come loose like denture
• Benefit general oral health since implants do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridge
• Preserve jawbone from shrinking or thinning due to missing teeth  
• Implants are very durable, with good care dental implants will last many many years

General speaking, a complete dental implant takes from 3 months to 6 months. 

• First, the titanium dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone. It will stay under the gum several months for the bone to heal tightly around the dental implant area. The healing time is different from person to person due to individual health condition, age and oral habits .
• Next, a custom abutment attached to an artificial tooth (aka "crown") on top is installed to the implant. 

Dental implant typically costs more than bridge/denture due to higher cost of labor and parts. They have become a more popular choice since they are the closest thing you can get to a natural, healthy tooth. 

A good candidate for implant is the one who has healthy gum, sufficient bone structure and good general health.  

For people who smoke, grind and clench  teeth or have a history of radiation therapy, implant may be less successful.

Patients with diabetes or osteoporosis who have bone loss in the jaw may also be at risk for  complications. 

When implants fail, it is usually because of:

• Poor oral hygiene, causing infection, impaired healing 
• Too much pressure on the implant  structure resulting from grinding, eating hard crunchy food, which can cause the implant to be removed.

• Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush, floss after meals
• Quit smoking since smoking can weaken the bone structure
• Maintain routine dental checkups, cleaning every 6 months with your dental provider  
• Avoid chewing hard food