Teeth can be lost for a number of reasons including decay, trauma, infection or gum disease. In order to avoid additional oral health problems, it’s important to replace teeth when they are lost.
Dental implants are one of the most effective and long lasting ways to replace one or more missing teeth. A fixed alternative to removable dentures, implants can improve how you eat and speak, prevent shrinkage of the jawbone and keep existing teeth firmly in place.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone to act just like tooth roots. As titanium is durable and well tolerated by the body, the cylindrical implant eventually fuses with the bone, providing a firm foundation for a crown or bridge.
To establish if a dental implant treatment is right for you, we carry out a full assessment including your general health, your oral health, how your teeth fit together as well as the density of your jaw bone.
Patients with insufficient bone volume may need a grafting procedure to allow for the successful placement of implants.
Then, with a relatively simple surgical procedure under local anaesthetic, titanium posts are very precisely set into the jawbone. Over a few months the implants will bond with the bone – a process known as osseointegration.
Once the implants are settled-in and fully healed, we can fit replacement teeth to the now firmly positioned dental implants.
To ensure dental implants remain trouble-free following treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential.
With an effective daily brushing and flossing routine, dental implants can last for over 15 years. To ensure your implants stay in optimal condition, we also recommend seeing your dentist for regular check-ups.