Dental Implants – A Long-term Tooth Replacement Therapy

How does a dental implant replace a natural tooth?

The implant itself, essentially a titanium screw, is surgically set into the jawbone to replace the lost tooth root. An abutment is then placed into the implant, creating a safe, stable point of contact between the screw and your new tooth. When these steps have been completed, a prosthetic tooth is set upon the abutment, usually a crown, completing your tooth replacement therapy.

The procedure can also be used to anchor a bridge, or even a denture, making dental implants one of the most versatile therapies ever developed for long-term tooth replacement.

For most patients, a period of 3-6 months is required for healing, prior to the final restoration, whether a crown, bridge, or denture, can be placed. This is the period where the bone tissue fuses with the implant. The process "anchors" the implant into your jawbone, providing a strong, stable foundation for the final restoration of your missing tooth or teeth.

Because a dental implant replaces not just the lost tooth, but also the tooth root, it also prevents further deterioration of the bone that supported your natural tooth – your jawbone. This means that your replacement tooth should last a lifetime, as should the supporting bone. This can also greatly reduce the potential for facial disfigurement that can result from the further loss of the supporting bone.

The doctors and staff at the The Colorado Center for Implants and Prosthetic Dentistry, are your full-service Littleton dental implants specialist and are experts in all types of tooth replacement therapy. If you would like more information on your family’s dental needs, make an appointment today.