Dental Implants
What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and commonly it is screw or cylinder shaped. Each implant is placed into a socket carefully drilled at the precise location of the intended tooth. If an implant has a screw-thread on its outer surface it can be screwed into position and if it does not, it is usually tapped into place. The main aim during installation of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into microscopic roughnesses on the implant surface. In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE CLICK HERE A space in the front of your mouth: A tooth is missing. An implant saves you from having the adjacent teeth ground to support a bridge. The implant crown will be similar in appearance to the natural tooth. Esthetics is most important in the front of the mouth. An implant solution can restore your original look. Your gumline is also reconstructed. The adjacent teeth are not damaged - they are not subjected to grinding in preparation for a bridge or loading by retainer clasps. ------------------------------------------------------------- A space in the back of the mouth: You don't need a conventional bridge or a removable partial denture. There are no problems with talking and chewing, and there is no irritation that can cause gagging. Even in the case of a central tooth gap, an implant solution retains the adjacent teeth. The use of implants no longer requires the complex and uninviting retainers and retainer clasps used with conventional denture treatment. This avoids any problems with talking and eating. You no longer feel that you have a foreign body in your mouth. ------------------------------------------------------------- A free-end situation: If one or more teeth are missing at the back of the mouth. Your dentist can select single implants or a bridge instead of a removable partial denture. Using implants to replace back teeth can offer an even better quality of life. Implants can restore your chewing function and prevent collapse of your bite. They also avoid the problems with conventional bridges and dentures. ------------------------------------------------------------- The jaw with a few or no teeth: Implants with attachments provide secure support for the prosthesis. The denture stays firmly in place and the facial profile is maintained. The toothless jaw does not need to be a serious problem. Implants can give you securely supported and functional prosthesis. To be able to chew properly at every meal, speak clearly, have natural facial contours - you can be confident going out in public again. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Implant Process Initial Consultation After discussing possible alternative treatments, your own dental surgeon will refer you for an initial consultation (this may be from the practice itself). At this appointment an x-ray is usually taken and an assessment made of the feasibility of providing implants for you. The sequence of the treatment and the full cost of each stage will be discussed. Template Preparation Accurate models are prepared of your mouth and the areas requiring implants. A template is constructed for the next stage so that the implants can be precisely positioned. Augmentation Procedures (if required) Following the loss of natural teeth, the underlying bone may slowly diminish. If insufficient bone remains, a variety of techniques are available to create new bone before implants are placed. Placement of Implants This is the actual operation to place the implant fixtures under the gum. These form the foundation and fulfil the same function as the roots of your natural teeth. This operation can be performed with you awake under local anaesthesia, or with sedation which makes the treatment easier and more pleasant. Exposure of Implants After 3-6 month period to allow the implants time for full integration with your bone structure, the top of the implant can be exposed. This involves a small operation usually carried out under local anaesthetic. The gum is left to settle for two weeks after which the implants can be brought into function. Restorative Treatment This stage is carried out at the same time as the exposure and uses the implants to hold/retain the replacement teeth. Impressions are taken and the restorations are constructed at a specialist dental laboratory. The types of restorations vary greatly, from a simple crown for a missing tooth to full dentures that are kept more firmly in place by two or more implants. In more complex cases it is possible to construct full mouth fixed bridges using multiple implants.
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