Implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants can offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant will support a dental crown by replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability. Implants are designed to last for many years. Good oral hygiene plays a vital part in helping the implants to be successful.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The benefits of dental implants are both functional and cosmetic, they look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent. Unsightly gaps caused by injury or gum disease can be closed without adjacent teeth being affected and without the need for a denture. If you have several teeth missing, dental implants will help reduce the pressure on your remaining teeth, improving your chewing ability and prolonging the life of your natural teeth.

• Implants are fixed in place and look and perform almost like natural teeth
• Implants fit precisely without slipping or the need for adhesives
• Implants preserve facial features, and restore a natural smile
• Implants avoid damage to surrounding healthy teeth
• Implants prevent loss of bone in the area of the missing teeth
• Implants improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like without worry about your teeth
• Implant treatment can last a lifetime

Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

How does it work?

A dental implant is designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the small titanium screw that fuses into the jaw; the abutment, which forms a small post protruding above the gum line; and the tooth shaped porcelain crown, providing a natural appearance.

This procedure, as any other oral surgical procedure, has some associated discomfort. However most implant patients comment that they were surprised at how minimal and short the duration of discomfort was.

After the surrounding bone has integrated to the implant, an implant abutment and manufactured crown are secured to the top of the implant. This new tooth looks feels and performs similar to your natural teeth.

Am I Suitable for Dental Implants?

Generally, most people are suitable for dental implants. Individuals need good oral hygiene and adequate bone to support the dental implants. Age is not a factor for dental implant success. Bone healing around dental implants occurs in patients from the 6th to the 10th decade of life with almost equal success as in younger patients. The only thing to stand in the way of dental implant treatment in the elderly is general medical health, your dentist can discuss this with you at your consultation.