Implants

What are implants?

Dental implants are a permanent substitute for a natural root. A titanium screw or cylinder is placed into a socket and is carefully drilled at the location of the intended tooth. Later once the screw has settled into the bone, a crown or bridge is fixed onto the screw.

There are many advantages for choosing implants over dentures or bridges. They give you natural looking teeth and they will feel like your own. Because they are fixed to the bone, they are more comfortable than dentures as there is no movement. They are also the healthier option as there is no need to drill any of the surrounding teeth. Also, when teeth are missing the bone area where the root used to be begins to shrink, dental implants drastically slow this process down as they take the place of the missing root.

Dental Implants follow two stages:

Stage 1: Dental Implant placement

The implantation area is prepared, implants inserted and the gum is stiched up. Temporary teeth are then fitted. For single implants this process can take just 20 minutes but with more complex cases it takes considerably longer.

Stage 2: Fitting of the crowns

Who is suitable for dental implants?

In order to qualify for implants you need to have healthy gums, sufficient thickness of the jawbone and be in a good state of health. The dentist will assess the suitablity of your case during the initial consultation.

Does dental implant treatment hurt?

Implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia and is therefore painless. Following the implantation there may be a little inflammation and minor pain but over-the-counter painkillers that you might use for a headache will be able to alleviate this. On rare occasions where more discomfort is felt then stronger painkillers can be prescribed.