Dental implants are artificial teeth that are screwed into your jaw; permanent teeth that do the job of your lost teeth. Dental implants are titanium 'roots' which, when placed in the upper or lower jaw, bond with the bone, thus acting as anchors for the replacement teeth (implant crowns and bridges).
Dental implants are designed to fill in a gap left by a missing or extracted tooth. This is the latest procedure to replace a missing tooth or teeth without disturbing the teeth next to the space. It is also a widely accepted method to stabilize dentures that do not sit very well and are difficult to adjust to. Dental implants also have restorative benefits as they provide stability and function to an otherwise compromised smile.
The best candidates for dental implants are those who have a healthy mouth with no gum disease and good oral hygiene. However, there needs to be enough jaw bone to anchor an implant securely.