Question: What is a dental implant and how does the process work?
Explanation: A dental implant is a titanium (or zirconia) post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Over 2–6 months the bone fuses to it — a process called osseointegration — after which a connector (abutment) and custom crown are attached on top. Implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth: they don’t involve grinding down neighbors like a bridge does, they stimulate the bone and prevent the shrinkage that follows tooth loss, and with good care they can last decades. Success rates exceed 95% in healthy patients; smoking and uncontrolled diabetes are the main risk factors.
Related Questions:
Does implant surgery hurt? Placement is done under local anesthesia and most patients report less discomfort than an extraction — a few days of mild soreness managed with ibuprofen.
Am I a candidate if I’ve been missing a tooth for years? Often yes, though long-standing gaps lose bone; a CBCT scan determines whether grafting is needed first.
Can implants fail? Rarely — usually from infection (peri-implantitis), smoking, or excessive bite force. Meticulous hygiene and regular checkups protect your investment.