Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have been a revolution for modern dentistry. This groundbreaking dental treatment has been refined and improved over the last 40 years, becoming the go-to solution for missing teeth replacement. This specialist dental technique includes the placement of titanium implants, which are surgically inserted into the jaw bone. The implant itself behaves essentially as an artificial tooth root, providing support for implant crowns, bridges or dentures which are secured on top of the implants.

A dental implant placement usually takes place over two separate procedures – one for the implant itself, and the second for the tooth and implant restoration. However, it’s worth noting that treatment plans for dental implants can often take between three and nine months to complete, depending on the complexity of your case.

You may require multiple preparation treatments such as tooth extraction or bone graft. Your dentist will also schedule multiple follow-up appointments and check-ups once the implant procedure has been completed.

Once your dental implant has been placed, there will be a healing process for a few months where it needs to integrate with the surrounding bone. After that, you’ll be ready for dental restoration, where dental crowns or dental bridges can be used to fill in the gap left by your missing tooth, or dentures can be secured over the implant to cover the gap of the missing tooth/teeth.

After your initial consultation, your dentist will be able to give you a quote for the cost of the treatment. The cost can vary depending on complexity and, while there are cheaper alternatives such as dentures and bridges, dental implants are a long-term solution.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants come with a range of benefits, including:

• Better appearance
  Dental implants actually look and feel like natural teeth. Because they’re fused with your bone, they’re a permanent and deep-rooted solution that looks just like natural teeth.

• Improved comfort
  Anyone who’s had to wear dentures knows that they can be ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Implants simply become part of your natural teeth structure, meaning there’s reduced discomfort.

• Improved speech

  Compared to dentures, dental implants allow you to speak as normal without worry that your teeth might slip, meaning you won’t mumble or slur.

• Boost to self-esteem
  Your smile is one of your defining features, and nobody wants to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about theirs if they have a missing tooth. Dental implants complete your smile with a natural looking solution, allowing you to beam brightly with a full and complete smile!

• Long-lasting
  Dental implants are deep-rooted, and as such, they are made to be durable and hard-wearing. With proper dental care and hygiene, your dental implants can last for years.

• Better hygiene and health
  Unlike bridges, dental implants are a solution that doesn’t impact the surrounding teeth. More of your teeth are left intact and there’s easier access between your teeth – all leading to better oral health and easier hygiene maintenance.

• More convenient
  Dentures are removable and require proper maintenance. Taking them out can not only be a hassle but can also be very embarrassing, not to mention that the adhesives are messy. It doesn’t compare to having your own teeth – dental implants just fit into the rest of your mouth so you don’t need to worry about them nearly as much.