Dental implants are permanent tooth substitutes, made up of a metal post surgically bonded to the jawbone itself, an abutment that extends above the gumline and a crown that functionally and esthetically mimics the original tooth.
The implant process requires several months overall, but can be an excellent option for replacing a single missing tooth in adult dentition or for providing excellent support and retention for complete dentures, especially when other choices cannot insure long-term oral health. However, implants are not teeth, and therefore present some inherent weaknesses. The rigid metal post embedded in the jawbone doesn't have the 'give' of a normal tooth's muscle/tissue suspension system. Because of this, an implant doesn't change and adapt as the bite changes over time. If you're a candidate for a dental implant, we'll help you evaluate the pros and con's as they apply to your particular situation.