What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is basically an artificial tooth root which acts as an anchor for a replacement tooth. Shaped like a small screw, it is placed within the jawbone and a replacement tooth is secured on top of it. Implants are extremely stable and they are permanent; the big advantage of implants is that they don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support. They are the ultimate tooth replacement procedure because they look and feel just like natural teeth.
Implants are great for patients who are unable to wear dentures. Instead, the implant is placed directly into the jawbone to support permanently cemented bridges. Implants can be made from several different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. When placed within the jawbone, the implant integrates with living bone in a process known as “osseointegration”.
What is the procedure for having an implant?
Implant procedures can be done here at our dental clinic under local anesthesia. The actual implant procedure involves several steps:
- The implant or implants are placed into the jaw. This is a minor surgical operation.
- The jaw is allowed to heal for a period of up to six months. During this stage, the bone grows and bonds in and around the implant. We will usually create a temporary tooth replacement for the patient to wear over the implant site during the healing period.
- The implant is uncovered, and a small metal post called an abutment is attached. The gum is again allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
- The restoration or crown is made and permanently attached to the abutment.
The implant procedure may be a cooperative effort between a surgical dentist who does the actual implant placement and a restorative dentist who creates and inserts the final replacement teeth.
What are the benefits of Dental Implants?
- Preventative – dental implants can prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often occurs with bridgework and dentures.
- Cost effective – Since one tooth is replaced instead of the several necessary to install a bridge, dental implants can actually cost less than traditional bridgework.
- Conservative – Unlike traditional bridges, adjacent teeth are not needed to support the implant. This means that the adjacent teeth do not have to be ground down to support crowns like they do for conventional bridges. Your own natural teeth are not compromised.
- Comfort – Dental implants function very similar to your natural teeth and are comfortable and stable. This eliminates some of the key problems of dentures including poor fit, gum irritation and pain from nerve compression.
- Reliable – Dental Implants are highly predictable.
- Esthetic – Implant supported crowns look and feel like your own teeth.
- Preservative – Missing teeth causes bone shrinkage, which can result in a receding jaw line and change in facial structure. Dental implants help prevent deterioration of the jawbone so the patient’s face retains its natural shape and appearance.
Am I candidate for dental implants?
Anyone in reasonable health and with adequate jaw bone is a candidate for dental implants. Implant patients can be in their early teens or be mature adults in their seventies and eighties!
Taking care of your dental implants?
Dental implants actually require more care than your natural tooth. Dental implants do not have the ‘biological zone’ that a natural tooth has which keeps bacteria out. As such, it is important to maintain careful routine home care. Professional cleaning visits are recommended every 3-4 months, along with a re-care treatment and evaluation. Here at Shelbourne Dental Clinic, we will create a plan for you to optimally care for your new dental implants.
