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The Opportunity | About Us | FAQ | Services | Testimonials | Quote | Contact Us
A natural tooth has a crown. The crown is the part which shows above the gumline. A natural tooth also has a root - the anchor hidden below the gumline. When a tooth is missing, a dental implant takes the place of the missing root and a prosthetic crown replaces the natural crown.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement consisting of 3 parts. The screw, the post and the crown. The most widely accepted and successful implants are made of a titanium alloy. Titanium can be successfully fused into bone. The titanium forms a structural and functional connection between the living bone and the implant.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. In addition, implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration, which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants have a long history and were invented in 1965 in Sweden. In the last 15 years technological advances have seen a large rise in the popularity of implants.
Video of Implant Procedure
Graphic courtesy of Medivision UK
1. The implant site is prepared. The gum tissue is opened to expose the bone area where the implant will be placed. In situations where there is insufficient bone structure, bone grafting may be a recommended procedure. Once healthy bone material has been established, a special drill is used to prepare the bone to receive the implant. That is, a hole is drilled into the bone to make it ready to receive the implant.
2. The implant is placed into the bone. After the bone has been prepared, the implant is placed, by screwing the implant into the bone using specially designed tools, and the tissue is sutured (stitched).
3. The implant is left to heal, integrate and bond to the bone (Osseointegration). The healing process takes three to six months. This is the amount of time it usually takes the implant to become part of the lower jaw. The sutures are typically removed however, seven to fourteen days after surgery.
4. When the gum tissue is ready, a special post is attached to the implant. It is the support for the new porcelain crown. Today's technologies often include zirconium abutments attached to the implant post, to assure that the new porcelain tooth possesses translucency properties similar to a natural tooth.
5. The crown is placed. Impressions are made and from these a crown is made and shaded to match your existing teeth. The crown is then slipped over the post and cemented.
Do implants hurt.
Less than or equal to having a tooth pulled. The pain is treatable with paracetamol. As jawbones have few nerve endings, the placement of dental implants causes only minor surgical discomfort - perhaps equivalent to having a tooth pulled.
What is the success rate of implants?
The success rate of implants is very high. A failure is considered unusual.
Is everyone suitable?
Some people may not be suitable for this procedure. Conditions such as alcoholism, some psychiatric disorders and uncontrolled diabetes can cause problems. Your dentist will also need to check to see how much bone you have and whether there is enough space for an implant. The adjacent teeth roots will also need to be away from the implant. If you don't have enough bone, it is possible to grow bone or even graft bone from elsewhere in the mouth or places like your hip.
What are the advantages of an implant?
A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth your dentist can give you. They feel much more natural and secure than traditional removable dentures, especially if these are loose fitting because of extensive bone loss. If several adjacent teeth are missing, a fixed bridge may be attached to dental implants as an alternative to a removable partial denture plate. Dental implants allow for the replacement of a missing tooth without modifying adjacent teeth.
The adjacent teeth are not damaged or cut in any way. It helps to prevent bone loss. Implants are also used to stabilise loose dentures or even replace them with fixed bridges. Once the implant has integrated into the bone, the tooth is indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
How long does it take?
It depends on the type of bone, and where the implant is placed into your jaw. It can range from a few months to over 9 months. Generally, implants in the front lower jaw need around 4 months; the back upper jaw needs around 9 months and elsewhere in the mouth around 6 months. These times may need to be lengthened if bone needs to be grown or grafting has taken place.
Are there any limitations?
There are a few medical reasons preventing the use of implants. Sufficient bone to accept the implant is the major limiting factor. This can be assessed radiographically (x-rays), and bone can even be augmented where it is deficient.