Dental Implants

What are they?
These are titanium structures that are surgically placed in the jaws of the mouth to replace missing teeth. Months later the implant can be restored with a crown.

Procedure
The gum is cut under local anaesthetic. The bone is drilled and the implant is placed into the hole until it is secure.The gum is stitched and the implant is left to heal for the next few months.
At the next visit, the implant is exposed and an impression is taken of the implant , rather like that for a crown. The lab then manufactures a crown or bridge for the implant and the dentist fits this on the implant.

Benefits

This treatment is for those individuals with missing teeth , loose dentures  and for whom all other options are unrealistic. A classic situation is the individual who has suffered with the loose lower denture.   A very stable implant retained denture can increase the quality of life of the patient. Some patients do not want healthy teeth drilled and opt for implant treatment.

A consultation is required with the dentist in order to ascertain if the patient will benefit from the treatment. A report is written by the dentist after  the consultation process.