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New Brunswick Dental Society FAQs

What are dental implants?

If you face the loss of one or several teeth or if you are dissatisfied with dentures or other options available to you, you may find that dental implants are right for you, assuming that you have a sufficient underlying jawbone to support the implants. You may think of dental implants as metal anchors, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jaw bone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. Through a process called "osteointegration", the jaw bone actually attaches itself to the implant over time providing tremendous stability. Implant treatment is often performed by an oral surgeon, a periodontist or in some cases by general dentists. During surgery, each implant is placed within the jaw bone to serve as an anchor for the post that will eventually support the replacement teeth. Generally from three to six months or more is then allowed for the bone tissue to grow around the implants and hold them securely in place. Once the jaw bone has firmly healed around the implant, a small post is attached to each implant. The post protrudes through the gum line and serves as an anchor for the replacement teeth. After your gums have healed the replacement teeth or dentures are securely attached to the posts. Dental implants improve biting pressure if you are a denture wearer, and increase the comfort and fit of your replacement teeth because they can't slip and slide. With proper oral hygiene and care dental implant systems have been shown to last as long as 20 years or more with few complications.