Downsview Dental Care Cosmetic Dentistry A Smile Worth Paying For | Page 12

Implants
Implants are dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth and are an alternative to the
traditional bridge. The advantage of an implant is that it does not require the presence of
other teeth or implants to form a bridge so can be inserted on its own. An implant is
however a surgical procedure where a metal post or frame is inserted into the jawbone to
provide a foundation for the dentists to attach a false tooth. An implant typically has
three components a base made of titanium which is inserted into the jaw bone, an
abutment and a dental crown. Implants are expensive but provide structural support to
the crown which many patients find far more satisfying to use for example when
chewing than dentures. Implants like bridges are used extensively in restorative dentistry
and not just for cosmetic value. However to be able to have implants fitted you must
have healthy gums and sufficient bone available for the surgical procedure.