What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth. The implant fixture is like the root of a tooth it is below the gums and fixed to the jaw, it supports one or more artificial crowns.
In short, they are the nearest thing to having your natural teeth back again.
If your bone is too thin or soft to support an implant, a bone graft may be used to build up the jaw.
Dental implants can replace teeth without affecting the neighbouring teeth.
Dental Implants are a fixed solution that feel and function like normal teeth meaning they don’t move which means that you can eat and smile with confidence.
In short, they are the nearest thing to have your natural teeth back again.
Our Dental Implants and are of the highest quality. Our planning process is thorough, the treatments are gentle and minimally invasive. The results are dental implants that are positioned to look beautifully natural, work like a tooth and are easy to maintain.
Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment
- A well positioned dental implant will allow a beautiful natural blending with your other teeth and work as a reliable chewing unit
- A dental implant is the closest replacement that you can get to a natural, healthy tooth.
- A dental implant can help preserve the overall structure of the mouth by keeping the other teeth from drifting into empty spaces- into unnatural positions and preserve the jaw bones.
What can Dental Implants fix?
Dental implants can be an ideal solution to missing teeth. Teeth can be lost due to being infected, heavily broken down, badly decayed or from trauma. Or they can be missing because they never grew.
Implants can be an alternative to bridges, root canal treatment and dentures but as mentioned before each case is uniquely different and needs to be assessed accordingly, before any teeth replacement procedures can be initiated.
Dental Implants – What is involved?
Like any other dental treatment, it is important for you to know your options well. If a tooth is painful, loose or broken, it may be better for it to be replaced by an implant instead of persevering with other treatments.
Records are taken to figure out the amount of bone present in the jaw, the space available for the implant, and how the bite comes together. The surgeon then plans the surgery, according to those initial findings. The implant is placed in the jawbone and left there for integration over time. The length of the healing period depends on the quality and amount of bone and the location of the implant.
During this healing period, you may need a temporary tooth. If the implant is not visible, then it can be left alone without a temporary tooth.
Once the healing period is over a permanent tooth can be put on top of the implant. A digital intra oral scan of the implant and the surrounding oral tissues are taken, and a lifelike ceramic tooth is made by a dental technician. The fabricated tooth is tried in, and once the result is approved by both the dentist and you, it is placed permanently.
This process usually takes several appointments to complete after the treatment plan is finalised, a complex plan can take more visits. Your personal plan will be explained before any treatment commences.
What are the main benefits of Dental Implants?
- Replace loose-fitting- dentures
- Maintain bone structure after tooth loss
- Improve the appearance of your smile if you have a missing tooth
- Function and feel just like natural teeth
- Improve chewing and speaking
- Replacement teeth
- Prevent bone loss
- Long term solution
- High success rate
- Cost effective in the long run
Dental implant treatment is a well-established, safe and long-lasting tooth replacement solution. Replacing missing teeth is important in order to keep your teeth, gums and jawbone healthy. A face without teeth can change shape and become saggy. Dental implants help to retain your natural face structure shape and function.
Many patients describe their dental implants as being even better than their original teeth in their strongest and healthiest state. Get ready to crunch down on a crispy baguette for the first time in years, or to enjoy a refreshingly cool ice cream free from the fear of triggering an ache from sensitive teeth.
Disclaimer
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks with dental implant treatments. A second opinion is always advisable before undertaking any significant treatment.