What are dental implants?

An implant is a man-made tooth root made from a metal called titanium.

A natural tooth consists of a crown (the part you see above the gum), and the root (the part hidden under the gum). It is the root in the jawbone that actually holds the natural tooth in place.

A dental implant is a small man-made titanium fixture that serves as a replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The dental implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and functions as an anchor for the replacement tooth. After the bone has grown around the implant, implants can hold a crown, bridge or denture just like roots hold natural teeth in place.

Titanium is used because it is the most compatible with our human body. Osseointegration is the process in which bone healing takes place so as to connect metal with living bone.

Why Dental Implants?

• Dental implants preserve bone. Tooth loss leads to bone loss.

Without Dental Implants
With Dental Implants

• Maintain healthy tooth structure by not grinding down adjacent teeth for a bridge

	This patient has healthy beautiful teeth.
One option is to cut away the healthy tooth structure and provide a three-unit bridge
OR
….place an implant that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth and doesn’t require cutting down of your natural teeth.

• Improved Appearance

Benefits of Implants

• Maintain bone
• Maintain facial structure
• Improve appearance and speech
• Best choice for replacing natural teeth both with function and esthetics
• Enhanced self-esteem
• and……..

People love them!!!

For more information regarding dental implants call our Implant Coordinator, Marilyn Anderson at 405-848-7994 or 888-662-7999

Dental Implants Instructions Video
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