What is a dental implant? Dental implants are artificial roots, placed under the gum line, that are designed to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They are a good option for those individuals that have lost one or more teeth and desire a secure, long lasting replacement.

Why? When replacing a single tooth, dental implants are often the most natural tooth replacement option, both in function and ability to clean. They have the advantage over obtaining a bridge in that they require no drilling of the neighboring teeth. This helps to limit the potential for future cavities and possible damage to adjacent teeth. Additionally, since dental implants are made of titanium, there is no potential for cavity development.

How? A small “pilot” hole is made in the bone. Once the direction indicator is placed to make sure the implant will be exactly where Dr. Politis and your general dentist want it, the hole is slowly expanded to the appropriate implant size. The implant is then placed directly into the bone and a healing cap is placed on top of it to allow the gum tissue to grow around the implant.

Implants are only considered the “root” of the tooth; once we place the titanium root, you must see your general dentist for the chewing portion of the restoration (the implant crown) We do not do restorative dentistry at Politis Periodontics.