An implant is one way to replace missing teeth. A metal replica of a tooth root is placed into the jawbone and a crown is placed on top.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a replacement for the root(s) of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once placed. They are made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong and biocompatible, which means that it is not rejected by the body. Titanium and titanium alloys are the most widely used metals in both dental and other bone implants, such as orthopaedic joint replacements. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device.
What are implants used for?
Dental Implants are used to secure porcelain crowns (the part that sticks out from your gum and looks like tooth), dental bridges (multiple crowns joined together) or dentures (removable teeth) by a variety of means.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
- Usually dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. In fact, they are the only way to replace the root(s) of your teeth
- Dental implants won’t decay or rot
- They restore proper chewing and regain your full strength of you bite.
- Dental implants are comfortable
- Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require the support of your natural teeth, therefore we don’t need to grind down those teeth for the sake of replacing the gap.
- They can secure your loose dentures so you don’t have to feel embarrassed about spitting your denture out during a wedding speech and say goodbye to those messy denture adhesives.
Will my implants look natural?
Dental Implants are hidden underneath your gum so you won’t see them. Used in combination with advanced restorative methods, their appearance and function are very natural and very comfortable. You won’t even notice it’s there!
Will I be able to chew like my natural teeth?
Yes. They’re very close to chewing with natural teeth.
How long will dental implant treatment take?
Traditional implants procedure is performed in two stages. The dentist will place the dental implant and leave it to heal for three to six month to allow the implant to integrate with the bone. During the healing period, the patient can have a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put on.
Sometimes we can do everything in one single session if suitable.
How successful are dental implants?
Implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth due to their high success rate. Over decades of research and constant improvement, dental implants have a 90-95% success rate over 10 years. Factors such as smoking, certain medical conditions, oral hygiene and frequency of dental recall visits can all affect the overall success rate of dental implants.
How much do dental implants cost?
The fee for dental implants will depend on several factors, including:
- How many implants will be required to support your missing teeth?
- Do you need a temporary prosthesis during the healing period?
- Is there enough bone for the dental implant? Sometimes a bone graft maybe required to bulk up the bone which will incur an additional fee.
- Is the implant surgery guided? Or is the dentist placing the implant free-hand.
To obtain an estimate of your total fee, it is necessary to have the dentist examine your mouth. After a thorough Comprehensive Examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you.
What is Guided Implant Surgery?
See Guided Implant Surgery page
How do I know if I’m suitable for dental implants?
The main limitation is the amount of available bone. However, even if there’s not enough bone, there are methods in which we can bulk up your bone to make implants suitable. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate if dental implants are the best solution for you.
Is age a barrier?
Implants should not be placed in patients under 18 years of age. Aside from that, there’re no limitations. In fact, most implant surgeries are less traumatic compared to taking a tooth out.
Is the dental implant surgery painful?
During the surgery, local anaesthetic and sedation options are used to eliminate any discomfort. Like most surgeries, you can expect some discomfort post surgery. However, most patients are surprised that the procedure is no where near as bad as they first though. If you choose your implants to be placed with a surgical guide, no gums are raised and no stitches are used. The recovery is even better.
How will I recover after the surgery?
It is normal to have some small bruises and swelling of the gum and soft tissue. However, most simple surgeries are more comfortable compared to removal of a tooth, and patients are free to go back to work the next day. Ordinary painkillers usually do the job.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Like anything else, maintenance is important following dental implant placements. You must brush and floss regularly as instructed, and go back to your dentist and hygienist every 6 months for maintenance, or more regularly if required.