An implant is placed where there is a missing tooth and supports a porcelain crown. It is the best option to replace a natural tooth that modern dentistry has to offer.

WHEN DO I NEED AN IMPLANT?

A lot of times implants can be placed immediately after a tooth is extracted. Other situations we must allow for 6 months of healing after a tooth is removed before placing an implant. Generally 6-8 weeks after the implant has been placed a crown can be attached to the implant to complete the procedure.

Why do I have to replace my tooth? It’s in the back where nobody can see it and I chew on the other side anyways.

When you lose a tooth it may not seem necessary to replace it. In fact once a tooth is gone the bone shrinks where the tooth used to be and the surrounding teeth move into the space. Once the bone shrinks it cannot be easily replaced. This can affect the surrounding teeth and put them in jeopardy. Once the teeth move treatment is usually required prior to having an implant placed. It is much easier and less expensive to replace a tooth with an implant in a timely manner following extraction.When you lose a tooth it may not seem necessary to replace it. In fact once a tooth is gone the bone shrinks where the tooth used to be and the surrounding teeth move into the space.

Once the bone shrinks it cannot be easily replaced. This can affect the surrounding teeth and put them in jeopardy. Once the teeth move treatment is usually required prior to having an implant placed. It is much easier and less expensive to replace a tooth with an implant in a timely manner following extraction.

What is the difference between an implant and a bridge?

An implant and a bridge both serve the same purpose, they replace missing teeth. Implants are superior in that you do not have to remove enamel from the adjacent teeth. Also after the implant has been placed bone loss is minimized in the immediate area. This improves the long term prognosis of the adjacent teeth. There are some situations where a bridge may be recommended versus an implant but given the choice an implant is superior.

BRIDGE VS. IMPLANT