What are dental implants?

Dental implants are an innovative new design of prosthetic tooth. They are made from three separate components. These are:

-         A titanium implant post. This is inserted into the jaw bone, where it fuses to create a permanent anchor for your implant.

-         An abutment connector, which attached your titanium implant post to the visible part of the tooth.

-         A porcelain crown. This acts as the visible part of the tooth.
 

Does the procedure to get dental implants hurt?

For many people, the thought of having metal posts placed into their jaw bone is enough to put them off the idea of dental implants. However, improvements in the tools and anesthesia used in their placement means that the procedure to receive dental implants should be completely painless. You may experience some soreness and discomfort during the first 24hrs after your procedure, but no more than any other type of dental work and medication should be sufficient to ease your pain.
 

How long does it take to get dental implants?

Typically, the process of getting dental implants takes place over several appointments. This gives our dental implant surgeon enough opportunity to properly assess your candidacy, take comprehensive moulds of your natural teeth, plan the location for the implant posts with precision and accuracy and perform the surgery to the highest quality. However, some dentists do offer a much quicker service. You will need to enquire with our chosen dental implant surgeon as to how quickly you will be able to receive your implants.
 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

There are a wide variety of benefits offered by dental implants, which help to make it one of the most commonly-requested tooth replacement procedures in the world today. Some of the key benefits include:

-         Discretion. Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth.

-         Strength. Dental implants are much more secure than any other type of dental restoration, and with proper care, could last a lifetime.

-         Successful. Dental implants are held in place with biocompatible titanium, which means the body is virtually guaranteed not to reject them. As such, they have the highest success rate of any surgically implanted device.

-         Cosmetic enhancement. The porcelain crowns that make up the visible portion of the tooth can be created in a variety of different shades, making it possible to get teeth that are in proportion and an aesthetically-pleasing shade of white.

-         Convenient. Dental implants are a permanent solution, which means that unlike dentures, there is no need to remove them for eating or cleaning them.

-         Improved comfort and speech. Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth, which means that there is none of the discomfort that comes with wearing dentures. Implants also eliminate the slippage that can make speech difficult that occurs when a patient has dentures.
 

Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?

Although dental implants are extremely successful, they may not be the best solution for your dental requirements. As such, every patient will need to have a consultation with their dental implant surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Nevertheless, as a general rule, good candidates:

-         Have good general and oral health

-         Have good bone density in their jaw to support the dental implant

-         Have healthy gums with no sign of periodontal disease

People who may be recommended to avoid dental implants could include:

-         Heavy smokers

-         Pregnant women

-         Young people whose jawbones are still developing

-         Those with immune conditions

-         Those with uncontrolled diabetes

-         Alcohol or substance abusers

-         People who have received a high dose of radiation to the head or neck (for example, radiotherapy for cancer)

-         Haemophiliacs

-         People who have a suppressed immune system

If you would like to find out more about dental implants, contact and arrange an appointment with our qualified and experienced dental implant surgeon today.