Implants, Why Use Them and What Are They?

Implants are titanium “roots” placed in the bone to replace a tooth. Once the implant is placed and the bone heals around it, a post is placed into the implant and a crown is made to fit over the post. There are three components to what you, the patient, think of as an implant tooth.

Implants are used any place where a tooth was removed or never erupted. It is done instead of a cemented bridge or a removable partial denture. Implants can also be used under a denture or partial denture to stabilize the prosthesis.

The implant is 150% stronger than the tooth it replaces, so it helps the mouth deal with chewing faces where as a bridge or partial does not add strength to deal with forces of chewing.

Implants are 98% successful. The main reason for failure is gum disease. We do not recommend implants to patients who cannot properly care for their mouth.