What Is a Dental Implant and How Does It Work?

A missing tooth changes more than your smile. It can change how you chew, let neighboring teeth drift, and make you think twice before laughing or speaking up in a meeting.

A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the bone has bonded to it, the implant can hold a crown, a bridge or a denture. That is why implants feel and function more like natural teeth than most other replacements.

At IM Dentistry, Dr. Isaac Menasha helps patients work out whether implants fit their oral health and long term goals. Here is how they work, in plain terms.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a biocompatible post, commonly made of titanium, that is placed in the jawbone. It is not the part you see. It acts as the root, and the visible tooth is attached to it afterward.

The three parts of an implant tooth

• The implant post sits in the bone.
• The abutment connects the post to the visible tooth.
• The crown is shaped and shaded to look like a natural tooth. Our porcelain crowns are made to match the teeth around them.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

Implants rely on osseointegration, the process in which the jawbone gradually bonds with the implant surface. As you heal, bone grows against the post and locks it in place. That gives the replacement tooth a foundation that does not shift when you bite and chew.

The main stages look like this, and our post on the step by step implant procedure goes into each one in more detail:

1. Examination. Your dentist looks at your teeth, gums, jawbone and bite. Digital imaging, such as dental x-rays, shows whether there is enough bone to support an implant.
2. Treatment planning. The plan depends on where the tooth is missing, the condition of your bone and gums, and which type of restoration you need.
3. Implant placement. The post is placed in the jawbone.
4. Healing. The implant needs time to integrate with the bone around it.
5. Abutment and crown. When healing is far enough along, the final restoration is attached.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Stability. Because the implant is anchored in bone, the tooth on top is usually far steadier than a removable appliance.

Natural look. A custom crown can be matched to the color, size and shape of your other teeth.

Function. Implant supported teeth can restore your chewing and help you feel more confident when you talk.

No removable parts. For a single missing tooth, an implant and crown give you a fixed replacement. You brush and floss it like the rest of your teeth.

Can Dental Implants Help Preserve Jawbone?

Tooth roots stimulate the bone around them. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that spot can slowly shrink. An implant can provide that stimulation again, which may help maintain bone in that area. Bone changes differ from person to person, so your dentist will check yours rather than promise a result.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Many adults who have lost one or more teeth can be considered. In general, you need reasonably healthy gums and enough bone, or a plan that can build enough support. If you have signs of gum trouble, it is worth treating that first, and you can read more in our guide to periodontal disease.

What if you do not have enough bone?

Bone loss after tooth loss is common. Depending on your situation, bone grafting or another preparatory step may be an option before the implant is placed. Your dentist can tell you what applies to you after an exam and imaging.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Implants are meant to be a long term way to replace teeth. How long yours lasts depends on your oral hygiene, gum health, how hard you bite, where the implant sits and how regularly you see your dentist. The crown on top may eventually need repair or replacement, even when the implant itself is doing fine.

How Do You Care for Dental Implants?

Having implants does not mean you can ease up on your teeth. Keep doing the following:

• Brush twice a day
• Clean between your teeth every day
• Keep up with routine dental exams and cleanings
• Follow your dentist’s advice on professional cleanings
• Avoid habits that can damage them, such as chewing ice or other hard objects

Healthy gums around the implant matter more than anything else here. Gum disease can affect an implant just as it affects natural teeth.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Placement is done with anesthesia, so you should be comfortable during the procedure. Afterward, some swelling, tenderness or soreness is common while the tissues heal. Your dental team will give you aftercare instructions to follow.

Dental Implants vs a Dental Bridge

Both replace missing teeth, but they work differently. A traditional bridge uses the teeth next to the gap for support. An implant uses the jawbone as its foundation, so neighboring teeth are not involved.

The better option depends on your oral health, the condition of the teeth beside the gap, how much bone you have and what you prefer.

Dental Implants vs Dentures

Dentures are removable and can replace several teeth or a whole arch. Implants are fixed in the jawbone and can support single crowns, bridges or implant supported dentures. Some patients combine the two ideas, using implants to hold a denture more firmly. Our post on dentures explains how they compare.

Replace a Missing Tooth With Confidence

If you are asking what a dental implant is because you are thinking about replacing a tooth, a consultation will show you exactly what treatment would involve. Dr. Menasha and the team can examine your smile and talk through dental implants based on your needs. We also go over financing options so you know what to expect.

Ready to learn more? Schedule an implant consultation at IM Dentistry, 1726 NJ-27, Edison, NJ 08817, or call (732) 985-7666.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a dental implant made of?

The post is commonly made of titanium, although other implant materials exist.

Q. How does a dental implant stay in place?

It bonds with the jawbone through osseointegration, which creates a stable foundation for the tooth.

Q. How long does dental implant treatment take?

It varies. Healing time, bone health, whether grafting is needed and the type of final restoration all play a part. Your dentist can give you an estimate after your exam.

Q. Can one dental implant replace one tooth?

Yes. A single implant can support one crown.

Q. Can dental implants replace multiple teeth?

Yes. Several implants can support a bridge or another restoration that replaces a few teeth.

Q. Can dental implants replace all teeth?

Full arch treatment can replace an entire upper or lower arch using carefully placed implants.

Q. Are dental implants better than bridges?

Neither is better in every case. The right choice depends on your teeth, bone, gums and long term goals.

Q. Do dental implants look like real teeth?

A well designed implant restoration can closely resemble a natural tooth.

Q. Can smokers get dental implants?

Smoking can slow healing and raise the risk of complications. Your dentist can talk through your situation and ways to improve the outcome.

Q. How do I know if I am a dental implant candidate?

A full dental exam with imaging will show whether an implant suits you and whether you need any preparatory treatment first.