When someone looses a permanent tooth their chewing function is affected, which in turn can compromise jawbone strength and alignment of the other teeth. The alignment of the teeth is a major factor in a proper functioning bite and consequently affects the bones, joints and muscles in our head, neck and jaws. A missing tooth can start a chain reaction leading to head and neck aches, shifting teeth and an alteration in diet. For these reasons dentists always advise patients to have the tooth replaced. Bridges, full and partial dentures and dental implants are techniques and materials that can be used to restore a patient’s bite. But, implants are the only method that can preserve jawbone integrity because the implant fixture restores both the tooth and the root. Teeth have three layers - the outermost layer is the enamel, the softer tissues in the middle are called the dentin and the core of the tooth contains the softest layer called the pulp which consists of bone marrow and blood vessels and nerves. The root of a tooth is firmly entrenched in the jawbone, and it keeps the jawbone healthy so long as the tooth is in good health.

A dental implant is in some ways just like an ordinary tooth, because it has a root portion and a crown that works and looks like the enamel and dentin part of the tooth. Implant fixtures themselves vary in size, but all require surgical implantation into the jawbone. Following surgical placement, a period of osseointegration or assimilation of the anchor into the tissues of the area is allowed, which could take up to six months. If the process fails, the implant is removed and the bone allowed to heal before a retry is attempted.

Once the anchor is settled into place a crown is set onto the fixture.

Recent dental statistics show a rate of success as high as ninety-five percent for the implants in the lower jaw and ninety percent in the upper jaw. The majority of the dentists think that the lower density of the upper jaw bone is the main cause behind the slightly lower success rate, preventing successful osseointegration. Implants are not recommended in all circumstances to all patients; the final determination being made by an appropriately trained dentist or oral surgeon. Issues such as space and bone condition will affect the decision. Sometimes dental surgeons will suggest a “mini-implant” instead, which has a much smaller anchor and is just partially inserted into the jawbone. Mini-implants are generally used to replace smaller size teeth or to secure dentures or overdentures. The patients who undergo implant placement should maintain a regular dental hygiene routine, because the soft tissues (gums) around the implants are as vulnerable to bacterial infection as those surrounding natural teeth.