Dental implants are small titanium or titanium-alloy posts that are surgically inserted into a patient's jaw, acting as artificial tooth roots. After surgical placement, the implant posts fuse with the bone tissue in a process called osseointegration, which may take up to six months.
Once fused, implants provide a stable base for a number of restorations, including dental crowns, bridges, and implant-supported dentures. The treatment option offers the added benefits of preventing further bone loss. Dentures also fill out the facial structure to prevent the sunken look that is commonly associated with tooth loss.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry for missing teeth.