What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a small titanium screws, that replaces the root portion of a missing natural tooth before being covered with a crown. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, the dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a secure anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace either a single tooth (single implant) or multiple teeth (multiple implants) in both the upper and lower jaw. Dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry. They are the most advanced technological treatment option available. They offer permanent replacement to loose and missing teeth and can be an alternative to wearing dentures, rebuilding confidence with a functional and secure smile.
Combined with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Dental implants are often hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
If you are missing a tooth or teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay, you may be a candidate for dental implants. We at Ideal Smile will assess your suitability based on the amount of available bone. It might be that other approaches are recommended, such as a crown, a bridge or dentures.
- A secure and permanent solution to missing teeth
- Dental implants can stop the process of jawbone shrinkage which may cause your face to look older
- With traditional bridges, adjacent teeth are normally ground down to provide anchors. Dental implants can eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth
- Renewed ability to chew and speak properly
- Reduction of possible gum problems and infections
- Increased confidence and self-esteem as a result of all of the above
The Dental Implant process
Your clinician will carefully insert your implants before placing a protective cover over them. The initial implant normally takes approximately 45 minutes – three hours and is under local anesthesia (oral conscious sedation is also offered). The dental implant integrates with the bone of your jaw over a period of three to six months, as the bone grows around the screw and holds it firmly in place. (A temporary denture may need to be worn during this phase).
The abutment is placed in the second stage of implant. An abutment is the connector between the implant inside the jaw bone and the crown which is placed in the mouth.
A crown is placed over the abutment to replace the original natural tooth after the implant has mended to the bone. Now the implant is ready to function just like your natural tooh.