If the root of your tooth has decayed beyond repair, your oral surgeon may surgically implant a metal frame/post into the jawbone under your gums, and use this as a mount for an artificial tooth.

A dental implant is fused to your jawbone. It does not have to be fastened to other teeth. It does not come loose. It provides stable support for a replacement tooth. Dentures or bridges anchored to dental implants will not shift or slip. You can expect them to have a more secure fit.

Your oral surgeon will make sure that your gums are healthy before recommending dental implants for you. You need to have bones that are dense and strong enough to provide sufficient support to the implant. If your bone is too soft, fragile and thin, it cannot provide adequate support. Your oral surgeon may recommend a bone graft.

You also need sufficient bone height in your upper jaw. If your oral surgeon thinks that your sinuses are too close to your jaw, he may recommend a sinus lift.

You can have individual dental implants. You can also have bridge implants. Your oral surgeon can bridge several implants, and insert them into your jaw. He can then put the crowns of teeth over the bridge implants.

Dental implants can bring about remarkable change in your appearance and self-confidence. Implanted teeth function, fit, feel and look like your natural teeth. They do not interfere with your activities. You can eat, smile and speak as if you had natural teeth. Moreover, they do not require the use of adjacent teeth. You have lower chances of facing issues like gagging, bad ridges, or pain or discomfort.

Dental implants are designed to last. Traditional bridges usually need to be replaced after about 10 years. Dental implants may require some adjustments over a period of time, but expect them to last your entire life.

You do not have to worry about your teeth. People with dentures often worry that their replacement teeth will loosen, shift or fall out when they laugh, eat or talk. They struggle to pronounce words and make themselves understood. They worry about how they look. If you have dental implants, you do not have to worry about any of these issues. You will feel as if you still had your natural teeth.

When you lose one or more teeth, your jawbone loses its suppleness and strength. It deteriorates from not having to support the missing teeth. When you have dental implants, you can stimulate your jawbone, preserving its strength and stimulating its growth.

Dental implants require no extraordinary maintenance. You simply need to care for them as you would your own teeth. You need to brush and floss them regularly. You also need to have them checked by your dentist when you go for your semi-annual dental appointments.