Dental Implants![]() What are Dental Implants?Dental implants are metal posts inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone and act as a foundation for replacement teeth. These implants comprise biocompatible materials such as titanium or zirconium oxide. Being biocompatible means, they are safe and friendly for the soft tissues in your mouth. Dental implants act like anchors for artificial teeth, such as dental crowns, dentures, or dental bridges. They can also be used to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants improves your jaw's health and function. They can also increase your smile's aesthetics. How Do Dental Implants Work?Dental implants work by integrating entirely within the human bone. Their systems consist of a dental implant body and an abutment attached to the implant body by an abutment fixation screw. This screw extends through the gums into the mouth to support the attached artificial teeth. Once the implant is inserted in the place of the tooth's root, the living bone will grow around the titanium surface to fix it firmly in place. The implant is then allowed to heal and integrate with the jawbone through osseointegration. This process usually takes several months. Once the healing is complete and full integration has been achieved, the abutment is attached, and the replacement teeth are placed on top. This helps to create a secure and stable full-arch restoration that looks, feels and functions like natural teeth. Who Needs Dental Implants?Dental implants may be a great option for you if you have lost a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even all of your teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. However, you should have good oral health to qualify for dental implants. This means sufficient bone density to hold the implant in place, healthy gums with no signs of active infection, and a commitment to good oral hygiene. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, you may not be an ideal candidate for implant placement. This is because excessive force on the implant can cause it to fail. For people with jawbone loss, implants are still an option. However, additional pre-operation procedures may be necessary to ensure your bone density is strong enough to hold the implant. Once you've been assessed as a viable candidate for dental implants, our team at Elliott Dentistry can help you decide the best plan of action. Give us a call today at 971-274-4360 to learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile. |
![]() Phone971-274-4360 HoursMonday: By Appointment Only Tuesday: 7:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 7:00am - 5:00pm Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm |