Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best long term solution for replacement of missing teeth. They are designed to preserve bone structure, dental function, oral health and personal appearance. Dental implants can support individual teeth replacement and also larger prostheses such as bridges or dentures.

Consequences of missing teeth

Replacement of a missing tooth is important for optimal function, aesthetics, and general confidence. A missing tooth can affect the way you bite and also the ability to eat certain foods. The neighbouring teeth will also begin to move into less optimal positions, making it difficult to eat and clean adequately. There is an increased chance that these remaining teeth will wear out prematurely and may also need to be removed. Generally speaking, people will lose up to 25% of supporting jawbone after tooth loss in the first year unless replacement occurs.

Dental implants

Dental implants are titanium screws that mimic the root structure of a tooth. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and time is required for the bone to integrate with the titanium threads, providing a strong foundation for the artificial tooth which is then screwed into the implant.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. The surgeon performs the implant placement and the restorative dentist makes the permanent prosthesis.