Dental Implants

dental implants

About the treatment

Experts in Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent form of tooth replacement which look and act just like your natural teeth. The root and crown of the teeth are replaced. Individual or multiple teeth can be replaced using this method, ultimately finding a secure option. When more than 2 teeth are missing (in a row), 2 implants screws can be placed and joined with 3 or more teeth. This is termed an implant bridge and can be used to replace multiple missing teeth and is much more cost effective.

The ‘root’ screw portion is made of titanium, which is bio-compatible and is designed to fuse to jaw bone as a secure foundation. This can take between 1-3 months. The longer time, often the better chance there is for fusion to take place. However, in some cases, if primary stability is sufficient, the porcelain/zirconia tooth can be attached to the screw on the same day.

Types of Dental Implants

Implant-retained dentures

When all the teeth in the jaw are missing, replacing all your teeth with implants can be expensive, especially if the concern is only “loose dentures.” The current/new dentures can be made to fit tightly in your mouth but being attached to 2-4 implants that are fused into the jawbone. This is especially useful when bone and budget is limited.

Immediate placement

Immediate implants are placed on the same visit as the tooth being removed. This method can often mean bone grafts are needed depending on the condition of the previous tooth. There is also more risk using this method.

Sinus lift & graft

Sinus lift & graft is a procedure where the upper teeth that have extended up into the maxillary sinuses, are removed and replaced with dental implants in this bone. It becomes difficult to place the implant when the sinus wall is thin and so the sinus needs to be lifted. Grafts are also needed in this situation to replace missing bone and adjust bone heights.

All-on-4

All-on-4 is a concept of using 4 (sometimes 6) implant screws to replace all missing teeth in the arch.  This solution provides patients with a fixed full-arch prosthesis on the day of surgery. Something that does not need to come out at the end of the day and are as comfortable as natural teeth. The aesthetics can be made to look like natural teeth or an improved smile makeover.

Treatment Process

Benefits of Dental Implants

Protect Natural Teeth

Dental implants may be more appropriate than a bridge for the replacement of one or more adjacent teeth. With conventional bridgework, the teeth surrounding the missing teeth must be ground down. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify these teeth.

Improved Confidence:

Dental implants can eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of dentures. You will eliminate the use of gooey denture adhesives that may be used. You may feel much more confident knowing that you never need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, for fear that your teeth could pop out or fall down.

Improved Comfort:

Dental implants often eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Implant supported replacement teeth are closer to natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation, ulcers and the pain of exposed nerves that may be associated with conventional full or partial dentures are often eliminated.

Eat Better:

Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. Unlike dentures they do not move when you chew on them. This helps you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain. A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants the palate is naturally exposed. This allows the wonderful tastes, textures and temperatures of food and drink to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Improved Facial Appearance:

When teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone often occurs and this could make the face look older or sunken in. Dental implants can usually slow or stop this process. Dental implants may help preserve the integrity of the facial structure and the associated jaw bones. This may result in a more youthful and improved facial appearance.

See for yourself our amazing transformations