Dr. Michael S. Harrison DDS - 501-520-6677 - Hot Springs, Arkansas

Dental implants are devices used to replace missing teeth.  The implant itself refers to the titanium component that is placed in the upper or lower jaw to substitute the root of the tooth.

How it's done:

The implant is inserted surgically into the jawbone.  After the implant integrates into the surrounding bone (which may take several months) it should be firm and stable. 

The implant is then uncovered and an impression is taken to create the crown that sits on top of the implant. 

Once the crown is made and inserted the implant is complete.

Dental implants are usually an alternative to fixed bridges or removable partial dentures.  When a single tooth is missing and the adjacent teeth are sound the implant prevents the need for cutting down the adjacent teeth to place a fixed bridge.

What are dental implants and what can they do for me?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place.  While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.