Implant Tooth Restorations

Implants or “root replacements,” utilize a titanium root, positioned in the jawbone to which an artificial tooth or crown is attached.  A specially designed connector called “an abutment” is connected to the implant and
supports the crown.  These restorations look and function very similar to natural teeth and are considered a permanent lifetime restoration.  Once integrated, they support the bite stronger than natural teeth.  Placement
of the “implant” or root replacement should be performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist.  After the healing phase of 4-6 months, the restorative dentist applies the restorative abutment and final crown.  Implants may be used to support the span of a bridge (so an implant may not need to be placed at each missing tooth.)  They may also be used to anchor dentures.  Orthodontists utilize short implants temporarily to assist in stabilizing forces to move teeth with braces in specific cases.  Some research has examined the effectiveness of immediate loading but the success of this practice has not become routinely accepted and its practice is case sensitive.