What are dental implants

Are you suffering from tooth loss? Are you concerned about the function and appearance of your smile? It’s time to consider dental implants.

dentures vs implant

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that act as a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Where and how implants are placed is determined by the assessment of your jaw and teeth function. Placing dental implants requires a surgical procedure that fits the implant to the bone. After the implant has been placed an abutment is attached, which is a device that joins the implant to a tooth form known as a crown. The crown replaces the former tooth and remains visible in the mouth after having been cemented or screwed onto the abutment.

Although dental implants may look and function in the same manner to that of a regular tooth, they are not a real tooth. Teeth remain susceptible to decay, and periodontal disease while implants may be susceptible to an inflammatory response known as peri-implantis, where the tissue around the implant reacts as a result of bacteria, which can result in disintegration of the bone to the implant.

Why should I receive dental implants?

Dental implants offer some advantages, which include:
• Improved appearance
• Improved speech
• Improved comfort
• Improved oral health
These are just a few of the advantages dental implants offer in contrast to not receiving treatment after the loss of teeth. An improved appearance occurs as a result of an implant, which look and feel like your teeth. Moreover, improved oral health is another important factor, with dental implants known to preserve natural tooth tissue and reduce the need for subsequent restoration of adjacent teeth.

What are the disadvantages of receiving dental implants?

Although dental implants possess a number of advantages, it is important to understand that there are some disadvantages, which include:
• A surgical procedure and subsequent healing time may be necessary before a crown is placed on the tooth, which can be unsightly
• Dental implants can be quite costly depending on the surgery required
• Fracture of fixtures, bridges or abutment screws which can cause severe trauma to the jaw (note only 5% of patients suffer from this)
• Crown fracture due to inability to absorb shock
Our Services

For more information about dental implants, or to book a consultation, please contact Dental Implant Solutions today.