A single tooth implant is the simplest type of dental restoration and is most often used when a tooth has been lost due to injury or decay. The single tooth implant is placed directly into the jawbone at one end. Implant supported bridges are placed on the opposing side of missing teeth. Unlike single tooth implants, implant supported bridges can also be used to replace teeth that have been lost due to injury or tooth decay. The most common type of dental restoration are inlays and onlays. These are placed directly into the jawbone to restore teeth that have been lost due to tooth loss or decay.
Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn't fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don't allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements. How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone. Dental implant surgery may involve several procedures. The major benefit of implants is solid support for your new teeth — a process that requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant.