Dental Implants

Dental implants have been the best tooth-replacement option for over 30 years. Implants are the closest substitution for a natural tooth available and can be obtained at Pine Forest Family Dentistry. More stable and durable than other options, an implant bonds with bone in the jaw and provides a sturdy base for one or more crowns (or a bridge).

The term dental implant is generally used as a reference to the three components that work together as a whole tooth replacement, but technically is just the titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone. An abutment is added on top of the screw, and a crown is attached using the abutment. The screw and abutment are inserted during minor surgery. A temporary crown is attached for the healing process, and a permanent crown is cemented into place after the healing period.

The implant screw is made specifically of titanium because titanium has the ability to fuse with the bone. This fusion recreates the pressure and motions of a natural tooth root. Chewing pressure on the jawbone stimulates the jawbone and maintains normal bone density in the jaw.

When teeth are lost and not replaced, the bone around the root of the missing tooth begins to reabsorb back into the body (up to 25% volume loss in the first year alone). As bone loss progresses, the structure of the cheekbones is worn away. The bone loss is the cause of the sunken-in look seen in people who have many missing teeth.

Call Pine Forest Family Dentistry at 561-575-3634 today to discuss a dental implant.