Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth. Essentially a titanium device is screwed into the bone (replacing the roots of a tooth) and a crown or other restoration is then placed onto the implant.

The dental implant is embedded into the bone, meaning that this option is closest to replicating a natural tooth.

Why should I have a dental implant?

Dental implants have the highest success rate when compared to other tooth replacing options such as bridges and dentures. They have a success rate of up to 98% and with the correct and proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.

Other tooth replacement options such as bridges require adjacent teeth to be prepared, meaning that part of the structure of those teeth is lost, weakening those teeth. A dental implant doesn’t do this!

Benefits of dental implants:

• Improved aesthetics – dental implants look like natural teeth 
• Durability – with good care dental implants can last a lifetime.
• Fixed – dental implants don’t require removal
• Improved oral health – adjacent teeth aren’t required to be altered.
• No more sensitivity or fillings – dental implants won’t ever need a root canal treatment or a filling and they will never be sensitive.
• Prevent bone loss – a dental implant provides stimulation to the bone, allowing it maintain its form and density.
• Improved eating and speech

Step-by-Step dental implant procedure:

Implant site preparation: An incision is made into the gum and the bone is exposed in the area where the implant is to be placed. A special drill is then used to prepare the bone for implant placement.

Placing the implant: The implant is screwed in using special instruments. The tissue is then sutured into place, covering the implant.

The healing process: This usually takes between 3-6 months and in this period the dental implant becomes incorporated into the bone. This process is known as ‘osseointegration’.

Attaching the crown: Once the healing and osseointegration has occurred, a special attachment post is attached to the implant, which will allow for the final restoration or crown to be cemented onto the implant.