Introduction to Implants

Introduction to Dental Implants Video Blog**

In this video blog post we discuss dental implants, including what they are, how they’ve changed, and what to expect from the placing of dental implants.

Dental implants are used, essentially, to replace the tooth root as a foundation for a single crown, a bridge, or a full set of dentures to replace the teeth you’ve lost, whether due to aging, infection, or from dental trauma. In other words, the implant is basically screwed into the jaw bone, and a dental prosthetic is then installed.

When are dental implants appropriate?**

Dental implants can be installed at a healed site, where there is no tooth and has not been for some time; or can be used to replace an existing tooth, called immediate tooth replacement.

If you are missing multiple teeth in a discrete area, say a few teeth in one area, implants can be used to anchor a bridge which will then span a certain distance from 4-12 teeth at a time. Implants may also be used to install a single crown, or an entire upper or lower tooth replacement; what is called a "snap-on denture" to replace all of your upper or lower teeth, using 2-3 implants to secure your new dentures.

If you have recently lost a tooth, or are about to lose one, an immediate implant may be used to replace your tooth on a temporary basis, until the area has healed, and then a permanent tooth replacement will be installed.

It must be said here that not every patient is a viable candidate for dental implants for one reason or another, most commonly due to the amount of bone (or the lack of bone) available at the implant site, and that each patient must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Thank you for watching this dental video blog. If you would like more information on your particular dental needs, make an appointment with Dr. Dhawan today.