Implants

Dental implants are artificial teeth, and currently the best treatment option available for the replacement of missing teeth in the mouth. There are other treatments that are meant for the same purpose, such as complete/partial dentures and bridges – but the advantages of opting for implants outweigh the pros of all other treatments combined.

What exactly are Dental Implants and how do they work?

Dental implants closely resemble a dental crown fitted on top of a small screw. They are made of two main segments; the lower screw-like portion known as implant (which is embedded into the jawbone), and the upper portion that remains visible in the mouth is known as the Crown. The implant is made using high-strength metals such as titanium. This ensures unmatched stability and resilience. The crown on the other hand can be fabricated using materials such as porcelain or zirconia, both of which are ideal for outstanding aesthetics and perfectly natural-looking teeth.

The procedure is a relatively invasive one whereby the implant is surgically placed under the gum, and straight into the jawbone. This is done to give the artificial tooth a strong, firm foundation which can ensure complete stability. This implant is then left to fuse with the surrounding bone for at least 2-3 months. The ‘threads’ of the implant integrate with the bone cells in a process known as osseo-integration – a phenomenon which is critical for the success of the treatment.

In cases where the bone is inadequate, artificial bone material is grafted into the site of surgery as a pre-requisite to the implant procedure. During the second phase of treatment, the implant is checked with the help of a radiograph to determine whether it has fused with the bone. If the X-ray shows healthy bonding between the artificial and natural structures, the crown is then fitted on top of the implant as the final phase of the treatment.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing dental implants over bridges and dentures:

• There are two segments to an implant primarily because unlike other treatments, this one replacing both, the crown, and the root of the missing tooth.
• The implant that is embedded into the bone helps strengthen the bone, preventing it from thinning over time.
• Implants prevent unwanted movement of the teeth adjacent to the empty socket they replace.
• Implant crowns fabricated using porcelain or zirconia look and feel exactly like other natural teeth in the mouth. Implants are therefore the most aesthetically appealing of all tooth replacement options currently available in dentistry.
• They are strong, stable, highly resilient and cannot be fractured by intraoral forces.
• Their stability in the mouth does not depend upon the use of adhesives, clips, or the height of the dental ridge.
• They can be used to hold complete dentures in place for patients who do not have any teeth left in their mouth.
• They maintain bone health and facial muscle tone.

If you have recently had a tooth extracted from your mouth and are looking for the best replacement option, simply give us a call. Our team of surgeons will happily address any queries, concerns, or questions you may have regarding implant procedures and how they can help you smile, speak and eat better!

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