What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal post, or artificial tooth root, which is surgically placed into the jaw-bone underneath the gum. They are used to replace missing teeth or to anchor a removable denture. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible and non-allergenic. Dental Implants fuse to the bone, thus becoming a part of the body.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants are versatile and may be used in many different situations and circumstances. Dental implants can be used to replace teeth with fixed or removable false teeth.
What does “fixed or removable false teeth” actually mean?
The term “fixed” implies a tooth (or teeth) anchored rigidly onto a dental implant (or dental implants). A fixed tooth crown is screwed into the dental implant in the same way as a natural tooth crown is attached to the root of a natural tooth. Where 2 or more teeth side by side are missing, the replacement teeth are linked together to form a “bridge” which is also screwed into 2 or more dental implants.
The term “removable” implies a denture which is anchored rigidly onto 2 or more implants, to stop it shifting or slipping in your mouth. This is an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. The denture and retained dental implants feel more natural than a conventional denture.
For some people, dentures are just not possible due to sore-spots or gagging. The ideal solution for such patients is a full-jaw bridge which is also screwed into 4 or more dental implants, and is fixed into the mouth.
Implant Crowns
These crowns are cemented or screwed onto individual implants where a tooth has been lost.
Implant Bridges
These are bridges that are supported only by implants where there are no teeth, replacing anything from 2 teeth to the entire arch of teeth (so long as you use enough implants to carry the load!).
Implant Retained Dentures
The term “removeable” implies a denture which is anchored rigidly onto 2 or more implants, to stop it shifting or slipping in your mouth. 2 or more implants are used to secure the denture by means of friction studs or a metal bar. Apart from the greatly increased security of the denture retained by implants, there is also the added advantage (in the upper jaw) that the part of the denture covering the roof of the mouth can be left out giving the wearer much improved enjoyment of food and better speech.
The term “fixed” implies a tooth or teeth anchored rigidly onto an implant or implants. A fixed tooth crown is screwed into the implant, in the same way as a natural tooth crown is attached to the root of a natural tooth. Where 2 or more teeth side by side are missing, the replacement teeth are linked together to form a ‘bridge’ which is also screwed into 2 or more implants.
Are Dental implants for you?
If anyone has missing or loose teeth and/or uncomfortable dentures, then dental implants may be the solution to these dental problems. To receive implants, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the dental implant(s).
Dr Fearon will check if you have enough bone to house an implant. If not, a grafting procedure may be recommended in order to build up the bulk of bone prior to implant placement. In some cases, the presence of nerves or other structures would rule out the placement of implants.
How successful are they?
The good news is that dental implant treatment is the most successful dental or medical treatment available today. Clinical trials prove that dental implants have a success rate in excess of 95%. Dr Fearon has himself been personally involved in such clinical trials.
How long will the process take?
It will take 4-6 months from your initial consultation.
