A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (synthetic material) that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place.
The benefit of having an implant is that:
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They don't rely on neighbouring teeth for support.
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They are permanent and stable because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel and function just like your own natural teeth.
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Improved appearance. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
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Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
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Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
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Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain. No more food restrictions.
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Future bone loss from dentures will no longer occur when you have implants.
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Improved self-esteem and confidence. Dental implants can give you back your smile, and help you feel better about yourself.
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Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
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As a denture wearer you will not have to suffer from the inconvenience of adhesives or dentures insecurely shifting around in your mouth.
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Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years.
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No extra work involved in their care. They require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
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Convenience. Removable dentures are just that - removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.
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Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue.
CAN ANYONE RECEIVE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Talk with us about whether you are an implant candidate. You must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place.
People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates. If you suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, hear disease, radiation therapy to the head/neck area systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases dramatically and need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates. Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are located. In general the success rate is 97% and with proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
ARE IMPLANTS FOR YOU........CONSIDERATIONS?
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You can't get decay around an implant-supported crown because there's no tooth structure there. Crowns on implants are much more likely to last indefinitely than crowns on teeth.
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While implants have the highest success rate when placed in a healthy mouth, people with gum disease still may be candidates for implants. All people with dental implants----even those with healthy gums----need to have a cleaning once every three months or as instructed by the dentist.
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Non-smokers have an implant failure rate of 5%. That rate doubles in smokers, but the failure still is only 10%. In fact, if you stop smoking 4 weeks before implant placement surgery and continue smoke-free until 12 weeks after the implants are placed, the success rate is the same as non-smokers unless bone grafting needs to be done.
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There's a 5% difference in implant success rate between diabetics and non-diabetics. The better your diabetic control, the higher the implant success rate.
THE PROCEDURE
Placement of dental implants is a minor surgical procedure performed in one or two office visits.
Development of an individualised treatment plan: The plan addresses your specific needs and provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you.
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The tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth.
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As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from 6 to 12 weeks.
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When the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post - called an abutment - is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make your new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite. Your new tooth or teeth are based on the model. It will match the colour of your natural teeth.
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A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.
HOW DO I CARE FOR IMPLANTS?
Your overall health may affect the success rate of dental implants. Poor oral hygiene is a big reason why some implants fail. It is important to floss and brush around the fixtures at least twice a day. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new implants. Additional professional cleaning of up to 4 times per year may be necessary to ensure that you retain healthy gums.
