Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant consists of a post which is inserted into the gums and an artificial tooth which attaches to the post.
A dental implant consists mainly of two parts, the ‘screw or post’ acting as the root of the tooth, and the crown. The implant ‘post’ is made of titanium which osseointegrates to the surrounding bone. The crown is then attached to the post.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are a safe, well-established treatment. Much like your natural teeth dental implants will last for as long as they are properly cared for.
How do I know if I am suitable for dental implants?
Contact Ringmer Dental to book your implant consultation with Dr Paul Cassidy. Paul will explain the process of Dental implants and assess your teeth and gums to determine if you are suitable for dental implants. This is good way to learn more about dental implants and ask any question you may have.
How are dental implants fitted?
There are two options for dental implant placement, depending on your clinical situation. In a one-step procedure, the dental implant is placed and then a temporary abutment is attached. In a two-step procedure, the dental implant is inserted and then covered by the gum and left to heal. The abutment is attached at a later date. In both cases, a temporary crown is put in place, followed by a maximum healing period of three months for the lower jaw, and six months for the upper jaw. In some cases, the dental implant can be loaded immediately. However, this depends on your bone condition.
When the crown is ready, your dentist simply attaches it to the dental implant. This is usually followed by a few follow up visits to check functionality and aesthetics.
Do dental implants hurt?
Placing a dental implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually completed under a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time, but you may experience some discomfort in the week following surgery.
How long does the treatment take?
Usually it is possible to restore the dental implant 3-4 months after it has been placed. However, your dental team will be able to give you a better idea of the expected time scale prior to treatment starting.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental implants improve your appearance – Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Once completed they become indistinguishable from your actual teeth.
- Dental implants are strong – Dental implants due to their design have superior strength due to the tight and strong connection between jawbone and titanium rod. This enables you to enjoy eating certain hard food which you may find difficult with dentures. It also helps with your speech which can get affected by dentures.
- Dental implants are convenient – Dental implants are much easier to maintain, just like your natural teeth all you need to do is brush and floss your dental implant as you would any other natural teeth and have regular hygienist visits. Unlike dentures where you need to take extra care of removing them and cleaning after eating, scrubbing your dentures daily, soaking dentures overnight.
- Dental implants are minimally invasive – Your adjacent healthy teeth are left untouched, because unlike bridges your adjacent natural teeth do not need to be grinded down. Another great advantage of implants over bridges and dentures are they help minimise further bone loss due to bone stimulation
- Dental implants are long lasting – With proper care and good oral hygiene your implants should last for a long time. And they provide greater stability and comfort with no adjustment necessary after placement.