Dental implants are a great option for patients missing natural teeth, because
they act as a secure anchor for artificial replacement teeth and eliminate the
instability associated with surface adhesives and removable bridges. Implants
are often considered the “standard of care” when replacing missing teeth due
to high success rates (95%-98%) and the lack of need to damage the adjacent
teeth as with doing a traditional bridge. Dental implants are made of titanium
which is biologically compatible with human bone and tissue. Based on patient
needs, a single tooth, a partial bridge or a full set of replacement teeth are fitted
to the implants and locked into place.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves one surgical procedure.
The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal for the first
three to six months gradually bonding with the jawbone. Once the implants have
bonded to the jawbone an impression can be made for the fabrication of the artificial
tooth.The artificial tooth is secured to the implant fixture by a metal post called an
abutment. The posts protrude through the gum line but are not visible when artificial
teeth are attached. The entire process, from evaluation to completion, generally takes
six to eight months.

The Arroyo Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can determine if you are a candidate for
dental implants and help you plan your treatment program.