About Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-term, permanent solution for missing teeth. Not only can they replace extracted or fallen out single teeth, but the technique can also support more extensive restorations, including bridges and dentures.

Dental implants have several different elements. The most crucial, which is the implant itself, is a titanium post or screw. This part of the solution acts as an artificial root and is the unique element that sets implants apart from other tooth replacements. Each titanium post is inserted surgically into the jawbone at a pre-planned position. Single missing teeth require just one implant post to replace them, but you will need two or more if you’re having an implant-supported bridge or denture. Again, their position is carefully planned using x-rays and CT scans of your jaw. Patients must have enough healthy bone in the jaw for implants to be successful. This is because once in place, the bone needs to regenerate around the post to cement it permanently in place.

The other key element of a dental implant is the porcelain crown. This is designed specifically for each patient based on their requirements and attaches to the post using a connector called an abutment. Creating a bespoke crown ensures that the restoration looks and feels like a natural tooth. If you’re getting a bridge or denture, this will be custom designed and manufactured, then attached to the implant posts.

What Happens in a Dental Implant Procedure?

A dental implant procedure usually takes place over several appointments. This is because the titanium posts are implanted and left to heal in your jaw before they can be loaded with your chosen restoration. This healing process typically takes between three to six months. During this time, you will be fitted with a generic restoration. Once the posts are healed into place, your bespoke restoration can be manufactured and fitted.

Since receiving dental implant posts is a surgical procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic beforehand. Once you’re numb, we will drill a hole through the gum tissue and into the bone where the post will be placed. You will be given specific advice to follow regarding taking care of your mouth and implants while you heal.

Advantages of Dental Implants

There are many reasons why dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement solution for patients. These include the following:

• Permanence. You cannot remove dental implants
• Greater stability. Since they are anchored to the jaw, they’re more secure and stable than other solutions
• Comfort. Dental implants feel just like natural teeth
• No need to compromise what you eat for fear of pulling your implant out
• Simple to clean, as you can brush and floss them just like regular teeth
• Your porcelain crown cannot decay
• Dental implants require minimal maintenance
• Your implant could last as long as 25 years