Every day, people around you are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. They are a long-term solution to missing teeth (edentulism) and can be very similar to your natural teeth. Plus, unlike fixed bridges or removable dentures, dental implants likely will not affect neighboring healthy teeth or lead to bone loss in the jaw. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental implant surgery is, of course, surgery – and is best performed by a trained surgeon. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) has the specialized education and training in the complexities of the bone, soft-tissue and nerves involved to ensure you get the best possible results.
Implants are made of titanium alloy that fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. There’s no shortcut to get around that process, and it usually takes several months once the implant is put into your jawbone. Osseointegration, however, is why implant supportive restorations are stable and retentive, unlike conventional removable prosthesis such as partial and full dentures, and why bone loss is usually not a problem.
Article Courtesy of AAOMS, https://myoms.org.
All procedures performed at Pottstown Oral Surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia. Click here to learn more about us.