Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Understanding Dental Implants
A natural tooth has two main parts: the crown (the visible part used for chewing) and the root (which anchors the tooth securely in the jawbone). When comparing natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, the structure is quite similar! Both have a crown, and both have a root-like foundation for stability. The key difference? A dental implant is made of titanium, a strong, biocompatible material commonly used in medical procedures like joint replacements.
When a tooth is lost, both the crown and root are missing. To restore your smile, an oral surgeon replaces the root with a small dental implant. Over time, your jawbone naturally heals and bonds with the titanium implant, creating a sturdy foundation for your new tooth. Once the implant is securely integrated, a support post (abutment) is attached, followed by a custom-made replacement tooth (crown) that looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
If you are missing multiple or all of your teeth, there are a variety of implant-supported treatment options available to restore your smile and confidence. If you have any questions about dental implants or want to explore your options, the Elite Oral & Facial Surgery team is here to help!
Advancements in Dental Implant Surgery
Thanks to the latest advancements in dental implant technology, our skilled surgeons place single-stage implants, which eliminate the need for a second procedure to uncover the implant. These implants still require a minimum of eight weeks of healing time before the final replacement tooth is placed. At Elite Oral & Facial Surgery, our surgeons generally place the implant in the same procedure in which the tooth is extracted, reducing the number of surgical procedures needed and helping you restore your smile more efficiently.
Getting dental implants is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Our surgeons handle tooth extractions, implant placement, and bone grafting (if needed), while your dentist takes impressions and creates your custom crown. Your dentist will also provide any temporary replacement teeth you may need during the healing process.
If you’re considering dental implants, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!