Dental implants are the most modern solution to replacing missing or lost teeth. Implants have been available for decades and have greatly improved in long term success. They have become the leading option in replacing teeth as they most closely resemble and function like your natural teeth. A dental implant is a prosthetic post placed in the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth root. Once stable in the bone this implant can act as the base to be restored with a single crown, bridge or denture.
Implant Process:
- Dental exam and record taking (x-rays, tooth moulds for study casts, photos…) is done to determine if implant is a treatment option. Implants are an option for most adults with a missing tooth (teeth), as long as the jaw has stopped growing (which is why they are not appropriate for children). You must be in good health, have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. To make implants possible, you may require bone and/or tissue graft depending on your situation.
- A small post is placed into your bone. Most surgeries can be performed with local anaesthetic only.
- Over time bone grows around and integrates with the implant surface and makes it very stable.
- Once stable the implant can be restored with a crown, bridge or support a denture.
Dental implants can give patients their confidence back. There are many benefits and advantages of dental implants;
Improved Appearance: Dental implants are permanent, they look and feel like your own teeth.
Improved Function: Removable dentures can make chewing difficult due to denture movement and food trapping under denture. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain. You may be able to get rid of your denture or use implants to improve your denture wearing experience. Implant supported dentures greatly improve the denture retention, no more mobile denture when you speak or eat. No need for denture adhesives.
Improved Oral Health: Dental implants don't require alteration of other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. As nearby teeth are not altered during implant placement, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants allow for better oral hygiene. Unlike dental bridges, individual implants do not attach teeth together making it easier to access between teeth allows for regular flossing. Further benefit of implant placement is encouraged bone stability where tooth has been lost. Without implant placement upon tooth removal, the bone stability is compromised and bone loss occurs.
Durability: A well-integrated Implant is very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
