Dental Implants
There are numerous reasons why you may have a missing tooth: resulting from a traumatic injury, a tooth cannot be repaired due to a crack or deep decay, or even you could have been born with a missing tooth. Perhaps a Dental Implant is the perfect solution:
There is no need to cut down the adjacent teeth to prepare for a bridge.
It can maintain the level of bone in the area that otherwise can lead to poor aesthetics.
It will stop the opposing and adjacent teeth from drifting and tilting which creates problem areas that are at increased risk of decay and gum disease.
It supports your other teeth that would be subject to greater biting forces.
They look great!
They maintain a healthy bite.
What exactly is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post-screw that is surgically placed in your jaw bone that can support artificial teeth such as crowns and bridges or dentures. These restorations are fixed, do not slip around and do not need to be removed. If you do not have enough bone in the area, we may need to augment the area with a bone graft before placing the implant.
What to Expect:
The placement of implants occurs in two phases: an initial surgical placement followed by the restoration of the implant.
For many years I have referred to my colleague Dr Dejan Dragasic to undertake the first, surgical phase of treatment. After a consultation with him, we will meticulously plan your individual case together before presenting this to you and explaining the costs and timeframe as sometimes these can vary from patient to patient.
Dr Dragasic will gently place the implant in your jaw bone and leave it to fuse, with the gum replaced over the top. The integration occurs in 2-3 months and this is confirmed before a healing cap is placed over the implant to start contouring your gum. Two weeks later the implant is ready to be restored with a final crown and so a mould is taken and a bespoke restoration is constructed by highly skilled dental technicians. The final fitting happens two weeks after the mould, at which point the healing cap is removed and the crown fitted. X-rays are taken to ensure a perfect fit before we demonstrate your fabulous new tooth and how to maintain excellent oral hygiene in the area. You will be required to attend regular check ups to monitor the implant along with your mouth as a whole to ensure it’s long-term health. As with all dental treatment, fastidious dental hygiene is needed to ensure its long-term fitness.
Can anyone have Implants?
To be considered for dental implants you must:
Have enough bone at the site
Have very healthy gums
Be in good health
Be committed to take great care of the implant by implementing the regime that will be demonstrated to you - this will involve excellent tooth brushing, flossing and inter-dental brushes.