Implants are titanium “dental roots” used to replace missing teeth.
They have been a treatment option for a single missing tooth or several missing teeth for decades.
They are also used to support a denture or prosthesis.
For areas already missing a tooth or teeth:
The amount of bone available for placement of the implant requires assessment.
Immediate placement refers to placing the implant at the time of tooth extraction. This also depends on bone levels.
Teeth can be placed immediately on an implant in certain situations but most often implants require 3-6 months to fully heal and integrate within the bone before the tooth can be placed on top. This makes it a 2-part procedure.
Implants require regular hygiene maintenance for the life of the implant to help prevent infection and failure.