Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth, whether you’re replacing a single tooth or creating a mouth full of new secure teeth. Implants are a proven, long lasting alternative to bridges and dentures as they are the most natural looking restoration option.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a screw like anchor that’s used as an artificial replacement for the natural roots of your teeth. A dental implant is made from materials that won’t be rejected by the human body such as titanium. By attaching to the jawbone and the gum tissue, dental implants provide a firm base for prosthetic teeth such as dental bridges crowns and dentures.

The dental implant is placed surgically into your jawbone and as you heal your implant will fuse with your natural jawbone and this is what creates a strong long lasting bone like structure. The healing process can take weeks to months and you can go about your everyday life in between appointments. Once the implant has bonded, a small connecting device known as an abutment is placed on top of the dental implants which then connect the prosthetic tooth or teeth to the implant.

Recovery is quite quick and most patients return to their daily activities the next day, however every situation is different and individual’s response and recovery can vary greatly. Recovery can be longer for a patient who has bone grafting procedures that sometimes need to occur for further implant support.

How long do they last?

With proper care, dental implants should last a lifetime. However the prosthetic replacement tooth attached to these dental implants only lasts around 5-15 years depending again on the care they receive. Having a good oral hygiene routine is vital for preventing infection around your dental implants, so make sure to establish a regular routine of brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Combined with regular trips to your dentist for professional cleaning and maintenance, your dental implants should be hassle free.