Dental Implants

Dental Implants are used to support one or more false teeth. An implant is a titanium screw that can replace the root of a tooth that has failed. Just like a tooth root, it is placed in the jawbone

Implants have now been used by dentists for a number of years and are a safe and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. If the implant is taken care of it should last a number of years.
In order to place implants, it is necessary to ensure that there is enough bone in your jaw for the implant to be placed into.

This will mean that if you are considering implants the dentist will take x-rays to fully assess the bone levels.
If you do decide to go ahead with the treatment, most implants are placed under local anaesthetic so you will not feel any pain. There may however be some discomfort in the following week as the bone heals around the implant.

The root structure of an implant is constructed with a titanium screw. At the first treatment appointment, a cut is made in the gum and the screw is implanted into your natural bone. Your gum is then stitched up, covering the screw.
At the next appointment, a connector is fitted over the top of the screw. The connector is needed as it is used to support the crown and hold it in place.
Then a crown is fitted over the top, to create a comfortable replacement that looks just like a real tooth.

Once the crown or denture is fitted, you can treat the implant like a normal tooth. This includes brushing and interdentally cleaning.

There are a number of advantages to having implants including:

If an implant is needed to replace a single tooth there is no need to cut into the adjacent teeth as you will have to with a bridge.
Dentures can make it difficult to eat or speak, with implants teeth are securely fixed to the bone and so movement is reduced.

Dental implants help to preserve your facial bone, improve your appearance and enhance your ability to chew your food when compared to dentures.