Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry and are now enabling people who would once only had the option of dentures, now have the opportunity to have permanent fixtures in their mouth, keeping their natural smile; longer.
Dental implants replace the form and function of missing teeth. Under local anesthetic, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone and then left to heal for a couple of months. During this time the implant fuses to the bone by a process known as osseointegration.
Next there is a minor surgical exposure on the top of the implant, whereby the dentist will attach the post to the implant. The function of the post is to become the support for either one tooth or a set of teeth. This is a short procedure that usually requires only local anesthesia. The last phase is the restorative phase. The dentist will take impressions and then make a prosthesis that will attach to the implants. Once completed, your mouth will be restored and you will have the smile you have always dreamed about.
Various replacement options are possible:
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, so that grinding down or altering adjacent teeth is no longer necessary.
Dental implants can be used as anchors to support a fixed bridge.
Dental implants can support loose teeth by being splinted to them.
Dental implants can support replacement teeth for an entirely toothless jaw
Dental implants can provide stability for a complete denture, thereby eliminating unsightly moving and clicking associated with dentures