In the past, dentists used to keep or replace teeth with treatments such as root canals, bridges and fixed or removable dentures. Unfortunately, root canal treated teeth fail, as those are still prone to tooth decay. In the case of bridges healthy adjacent teeth are cut down. Removable dentures are often unstable and fixed dentures require the use of sticky adhesives. Dental implants are a solution to these problems.
A dental implant is a small man-made titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental Implants eliminate many of the concerns associated with natural teeth including tooth decay.
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and is made from surgical-grade titanium to exacting specifications. Initially, the implant is placed into the jawbone either immediately after the loss of a tooth or after an extended period of time. If there is insufficient bone, various bone enhancing procedures can be performed prior to the implant placement.
An abutment, which acts as a base for a prosthetic tooth replacement such as a crown, is inserted into the implant at the time of implant placement, or subsequently after a period of healing.
Dental implants offer many benefits never before available for the treatment of missing teeth. In short, dental implants will look, feel and function like your real teeth.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Dental implants are a proven restorative option with a long clinical history. Dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth loss. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw. It is allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth.
If you are missing one or more teeth then you are a candidate for dental implants. The placement of a dental implant is typically completed in less than an hour with only local anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is normally less than that of a tooth extraction. For aesthetic reasons, a fixed transitional restoration is done immediately after implant placement, so that you are never without a tooth. A period of three to six months is allowed for healing. Then the temporary healing abutment is removed from the implant and a final abutment is inserted. A crown or removable denture is then secured to this abutment completing the restoration.
Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth allowing you to eat your favourite foods with increased chewing ability. It also improves your appearance, speech and thus your self-esteem.
The benefits of implant treatment include appearance, the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food, and often protection of your remaining teeth and jawbone.
A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods.
Dental implants require less maintenance than a natural tooth. Simple brushing as with natural tooth is good enough for restored tooth.