make missing teeth a thing of the past
Dental Implants are a great option to replace missing teeth. The
end result is a long lasting, hard wearing tooth that is virtually
undectectable from the real thing.
Today, most missing teeth can be replaced by dental
implants. The procedure should always be carried out
by a qualified dentist, called an implantologist. Implants are a
suitable choice for people of all ages - your dentist will be able
to advise you about the suitability of this treatment.
An implant is an artificial tooth root, onto which is placed an
artificial tooth. The artificial root is made from special metals
which are biocompatible with the bones and tissues in your mouth.
The root is attached to the jaw and the tooth is screwed to the
root. The end result can be virtually indistinguishable from the
real thing and many patients comment that they forget completely
that these aren't their real teeth.
Implants can also be used to replace dentures. In this instance, a set of
false teeth are attached to a series of implants which hold the
teeth securely in place. Patients who may have concerns about
slipping dentures, or find certain foods a challenge to eat with
dentures, may wish to consider this option. Again, many patients
comment that after treatment they forget about the fact that these
aren't their real teeth.
If you are having an implant placed, your dentist will make a
thorough examination of your mouth and jaw and will often take
x-rays, photographs and create models to determine the optimum
result before any treatment takes place. In some cases, the dentist
may also require a CT scan which provides a life sized, 3-D x-ray
of the teeth and jaw, to plan the placement of the implant. The
placing of the implant is usually performed under local
anaesthetic, sometimes accompanied by sedation to ensure a
comfortable experience for the patient.