Implants
Dental implants are a very effective solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Advantage of dental implants is that, they support the replacement teeth virtually similar to how a natural tooth root supports your teeth. The implant is a small titanium post, stands as mechanical replacements for the roots of missing teeth. A custom-made porcelain tooth (or set of teeth) is attached to the implant.
Procedure for dental implants
First, you will need to discuss your options with the dentist, during this process it will become clear if you are a good candidate for dental implants. The dentist will take a complete dental history, x-rays and a thorough oral examination. Once all work up has been done, procedure is as follow:
- Surgical placement of the implant(s) into the bone, a small titanium screw. This is done at our clinic, with a local anaesthetic. After surgery, there is a healing period of about four months. During this time, the implants fuse into the bone by a process known as ‘osseointegration’.
- Next, there is a minor surgical exposure of the top of the implant, to which the dentist will attach a post to the implant. The function of this post is to become the support, for either a tooth or a set of teeth. Short procedure, also done under local anaesthetic.
- Final phase is the restorative phase. Dentist will take impressions and then make a prosthesis (artificial teeth) that will attach to the implants. This stage may occur over a few visits to the dentist. Once completed, your mouth will be restored to a natural looking, with strong teeth.