They can be your doorway to a renewed appearance, functionality and peace of mind. An implant is a sophisticated titanium screw, which is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a lost natural tooth. The implant fuses with the jawbone to form a secure foundation for tooth replacement.
These teeth look, feel and function just like natural teeth.
Dental implants can also be used for stabilising dentures.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Dental Implant Procedure Video
Watch an extensive online video about what is involved in our dental implant procedure.
FAQS
You Have Missing Teeth, Did You Know You Are Losing Bone?
Losing one or more of your teeth can cause a gap in your smile, the loss of chewing function and the inability to eat a complete diet. While these are certainly serious issues, a potentially bigger problem lies hidden beneath the surface: bone loss. Without the tooth to stimulate the jaw, the bone beneath it will begin to shrink (atrophy) in the same manner that muscle underneath a cast gets smaller. Since your facial bone supports the skin and muscles on top of it, losing volume can cause your face to look prematurely aged. The good news is that dental implants offer a solution to stop bone loss.
Candidates For Dental Implants
Dental implants can be placed in most adults who are in good to moderate health. They are not typically placed in adolescents until they have reached their full expected height. Certain uncontrolled medical conditions may decrease the effectiveness of implant treatment, so be sure to discuss your full medical history with your dentist before beginning treatment. Every patient is different and patient results may vary. Only a trained clinician can determine the best treatment plan for you. Please ask your dentist to explain the benefits and risks to see if tooth replacement with implants is right for you.
Pre-Treatment Consultation
After a careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history, we will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Diagnostic aids such as various x-rays, photographs and impressions (models) of your teeth will be taken. Proper planning is essential to success as is providing you with all the information regarding your treatment.
Initial Implant Placement
Implant placement is a relatively painless procedure. It can be done under local anesthetic in our office, or under general anesthetic in local day surgery unit. In some cases the bone needs to be grafted to provide a general foundation for the implant. This would be discussed with you at the consultation prior to your procedure. Occasionally we also need to graft soft tissue into the site prior to placement. Again this would be discussed with you. The final tooth is attached to the implant 3-6 months after the surgical placement of the implant.
Proper Maintenance
Your dentist and hygienist will guide you on the proper care and maintenance of your new implants before, during and after the procedure. By following a regular routine of careful oral hygiene and regular checkups, your implants will look, function and feel great for many years to come.
Single Tooth Replacement
If you are missing a single tooth and currently use a removable partial denture, an implant-supported crown may be a better alternative. Single tooth replacements look and feel so natural, typically only you and your dentist will know the difference.
- Implant-supported crowns are a naturally better solution.
- Looks, feels and performs similar to your natural tooth
- Does not compromise your adjacent teeth to support a bridge
- Preserves surrounding bone (replaces tooth root)
- Prevents bone collapse and jaw line recession
- Oral care same as a natural tooth
- Restores a more secure biting ability than a removable denture
- Restores a natural appearance