What is a dental implant?

An alternative to missing teeth and dentures, a dental implant is an artificial tooth that is anchored like a screw or cylinder to the jaw. They are made of titanium and other materials. For most patients, securing a tooth into the jaw rather than making dentures or a removable appliance feels and acts similar to natural teeth.

Benefits of a dental implants include:

• Aesthetics
• Strength
• Chewing ability
• Impervious to cavities

Who should consider a dental implant?

Anyone in good oral health with adequate bone structure is a candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants have been used for decades in adults and help to restore the ability to chew. They also help fill out a face that otherwise would look sunken because of missing teeth. And unlike dentures, implants are not removed for overnight soaking or cleaning.

For more information about dental implants, click on www.ICOI.org.

Dr. Saunders has extensive advanced training in dental implants and is a “FELLOW” of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To discover whether you may be a candidate for a dental implant, call our office at 828-277-6060.