Dental implants are used to replace missing roots and support the replacement teeth.
They are anchored to your jaw with an artificial tooth root, making them a permanent part of your mouth.
Dental implants restore both function and appearance and look like natural teeth. Implants are an alternative to bridges, partials or complete dentures and offer a more permanent and natural solution to enhance your smile, improving chewing and speaking. They require no extra maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing.
The biologic basis for implants is a process known as osseointegration where the metal implant, usually titanium, form a bond to the bone. Healing time is required for osseointegration before the dental prosthetic (such as a tooth, bridge or denture) is attached to the implant.
The planning and the position of the implants is critical to the success of the procedure as forces created during chewing can be significant. Smiles by Design dentist Dr. Michael Lowe has completed the gIDE Master Clinician program in implant dentistry. That means recognized experience and proficiency in your implant procedure.