Dental Implants: Uses, Benefits, and What to Expect

Is it time to get your smile back on track? Dental implants have grown in popularity as one of the best options for teeth replacement. Whether you have one tooth missing or an ill-fitting denture that needs more stability, dental implants may be right for you. Let’s take a look at how dental implants can better your smile.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a permanent replacement solution for a missing tooth. It’s a replica of a natural tooth. A tooth consists of the root and crown. The crown is the visible part of a tooth that’s above the gums. The crown is supported by the root, which extends into and attaches to your jawbone. An implant is basically what replaces the root of your tooth.

There are three parts that make up a dental implant:

• The screw-like implant device: This is the implant part that’s surgically placed into the jawbone. Most implants are made of titanium since it’s biocompatible, meaning it fuses directly to the bone. 

• The crown: This is the custom part of the implant that resembles your natural tooth in shape, color, and feel. 

• The abutment: This is the attachment between the crown and the implant. It will be the base of the artificial tooth. 

When are dental implants used for?

Dental implants are usually needed when there are one or more teeth missing in your mouth. Your dentist can use several implant options to replace your teeth. Dental implant options include:

• Single tooth replacement: One implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth. 

• Multiple teeth replacement: An implant bridge can replace three or more teeth in an area. 

• Implant overdentures: These are complete dentures that are anchored into your mouth. They increase your biting force and reduce gradual bone loss. 

What is the procedure for getting a dental implant?

The process of getting a dental implant placed and restored includes several important steps. Keep in mind that each dentist may have a slightly different sequence when approaching an implant procedure. But here are four basic steps for getting a dental implant:

1. Clinical exam and X-rays: This involves a detailed exam where your dentist will gather information about your oral health and develop a treatment plan.

2. Implant placement: A screw-like post will be surgically implanted into your jawbone and a healing cap will be screwed in. This helps to avoid any bony or gum tissue overgrowth during the 3-month healing period. During this process the implant will osseointegrate (fuse with the bone).

3. Making the final prosthesis: Once the implant has had ample time to heal and fuse to the surrounding bone, your dentist will make a final prosthesis. This may be a single crown, bridge, or a full denture. 

4. Fitting the final prosthesis: During this visit, the dentist will attach your final prosthesis.  You’d likely have to go to additional visits to get your implant fitting and looking great. 

Your dentist will instruct you on how to properly care for the implant. You’ll also need to schedule your regular cleaning to ensure that the implant site stays clean and healthy.

How do you know if a dental implant is right for you?

While they’re commonly used to replace missing teeth, dental implants aren’t a good fit for everyone. Unhealthy gums and bones are considered a bad environment for implant placement. Your dentist will most likely consider other options or work to get your bones and gum back to a healthy state before placing an implant. 

Questions you should consider when deciding if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant include:

• Do you have healthy gum tissues?

• Do you have enough bone to anchor an implant into?

• Do you have good oral health?

• Do you currently smoke?

• Do your current dentures fall out while eating or talking?

You’ll want to discuss the answers to these questions before deciding if a dental implant is right for you.

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

If implants aren’t your final option, there are other ways to replace your missing teeth. A couple of these options include:

• Porcelain bridge: Your natural teeth on either side of the missing teeth are used as anchors. This may be the best option for you if there’s not enough bone left to place a dental implant. 

• Removable partial denture: Also known as a “plate,” this device is a removable option that replaces one or more teeth. Your existing teeth are used as anchors for the partial denture to help stabilize it and keep it secured.

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Written by:

Zack Youngblood, DMD

Zack Youngblood, DMD, is a dentist who strives to change the general look of dentistry. Before stepping foot in the clinical field, he authored multiple works that helped dental students and dentists find their unique path in dentistry.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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