Tooth loss can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease.
Dental Implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted into the jawbone, and a protruding post which is custom made with a new tooth. Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial denture, or secure a fixed denture. The process requires surgery and may take up to a year to complete.
Several steps are usually necessary to place an implant. Depending on the type of implant, the steps may vary. The placement of a single tooth endosteal implant is illustrated below.