Dental Implants

Thanks to contemporary dentistry, removable dentures and bridges are no longer the only options for replacing missing teeth. Nowadays, dental implants have become the most popular tooth replacement option through the world, owing to their lifelong durability, strength and natural aesthetics. Millions of implants are placed by dentists throughout the world to replace missing teeth, and to give a brand-new and healthy smile to their patients.

This article explains everything you need to know about dental implants.

So, What is a Dental Implant?

An implant is a screw-shaped metallic fixture which is surgically inserted inside the jaw bone to serve as an artificial replacement root. Implants provide a solid foundation, over which naturally aesthetic, strong, durable prostheses can be attached to replace missing teeth.

Who is a Candidate for Getting Implants?

Generally, anyone who has lost one or more teeth can get dental implants. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate. You should be having good dental and physical health to become eligible for replacing your missing teeth with any type of implant. You can benefit from dental implants if you have any of the following dental problems:

• Replacement of single missing tooth – for replacing a single missing tooth, a crown is attached over the implant.
• .. or of multiple missing teeth in a jaw – when it comes to replacing multiple missing teeth, a single implant can support up to 3 or 4 artificial teeth in the form of removable dentures or a fixed bridge.
• .. or of all missing teeth in a jaw – dental implants can also be used as a superior alternative to the conventional dentures. In this case, only four implants in each jaw can be used to support a complete fixed bridge. Such an appliance is known as an all-on-four supported prosthesis.
• Saying Goodbye to Conventional Dentures – If you are not satisfied with the aesthetics or the fit of your old dentures, we will give you a brand-new smile with an implant-supported prosthesis.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

The principle behind the excellent success and durability of implants is that they are embedded into the jaw bone just like the natural teeth. An implant is made from Titanium alloys, which possess a unique capability of promoting bone formation around the implant. As a result, the implant becomes firmly anchored with the bone and prevents the unnecessary movement of the supported artificial teeth. This property of dental implants is known as osseointegration, and it plays a vital role in the success of dental implant treatment.

Whats The Process of Getting Implants?

As discussed above, not everyone is a suitable candidate for getting new teeth with an implant. Our dentists will perform a thorough clinical examination and evaluate your medical and dental records to ascertain your eligibility. At this stage, they will also prepare a customised treatment plan according to your dental needs.

• The Surgical Procedure – insertion of dental implants is a surgical procedure. Therefore, it is performed under the effect of local anaesthesia. First, an incision will be made over the soft tissues overlying the bone where the implant needs to be inserted. We will then raise a soft-tissue flap to expose the underlying jaw bone. We will then drill a hole in the bone at a pre-determined location, and then carefully screw in the implant into position. Once the implant has been inserted, a healing collar is placed over it to ensure uninterrupted healing. Afterwards, the soft tissue flap will be sutured back into position.
• Implant Loading – conventionally, dentists wait for about six months before a suitable prosthesis is attached to an implant. This delay after implant insertion ensures that optimal healing of the surgical site and thorough anchorage of the implant within the bone. This process is known as delayed implant loading. However, in some cases, dentists choose to load implants with a prosthesis immediately after its insertion. This treatment option, known as immediate implant loading, is suitable for patients who cannot wait for six months to get their missing tooth replaced.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options, such as the removable dentures and the bridges.

• Durability – the implants are prepared from high-quality titanium alloys, which provide them with sufficient strength and durability to withstand very high chewing forces. If you look after your oral health properly, you can expect your implant-supported teeth to last for a lifetime.
• Excellent Success Rate – unlike the dentures and bridges which require frequent repair or replacement, dental implants have a 10-year success rate of more than 98%.
• Aesthetics – implants provide a firm foundation for the attachment of highly aesthetic and natural looking artificial teeth made from porcelain or zirconia.
• Superior Functionality – unlike the removable dentures, dental implants remain anchored within the jaw bone and firmly support the artificial teeth to prevent unnecessary movement. As a result, you can eat all your favourite foods without any difficulty, just like natural teeth.
• Convenience – with dental implants, you don’t have to worry about your dentures slipping now and then, especially when you speak. Instead, your artificial teeth will be firmly attached to the implant so that you can speak and eat without any inconvenience. Naturally, this will give a considerable boost to your confidence level and self-esteem!
• Bone Conservation – when dentures are worn for replacing missing teeth, they exert direct pressure on the underlying jaw bone, resulting in accelerated resorption. As a result, the jaw bone gradually becomes weaker and more fragile, and ultimately it fractures spontaneously. Dental implants do not cause this situation. Instead, they promote bone formation around them through osseointegration, thereby maintaining optimal jaw bone volume and density in the region.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are undoubtedly the best choice! This is because dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Visit us today and let us give you a smile which you will be proud of!