One of the best ways to replace missing teeth is dental implants. They generally look and feel better than other alternatives such as removable dentures and fixed bridges. In fact modern implants look and feel natural.
Dental implants are root-like structures made of titanium, a material which the body easily accepts. They are surgically inserted into the jaw bone at the site of the missing tooth, and a protective cover screw is placed temporarily on the implant while it fuses with the jawbone. An interim denture can also be placed over the implant immediately after surgery, to be worn for the duration of the healing time.
After fusion (called osseointegration) a crown(s) or bridge is then joined to the stable implants via titanium abutments. Due to the extreme stability and careful colour matching of the implant crown, your new teeth will look and feel like real ones. Eating and chewing will be as natural and comfortable as with your original teeth. The long term success rates of dental implants is over 90%. They are a cost-effective and aesthetically elegant solution for those with missing teeth.
Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry, providing a simple, permanent solution for tooth loss. Recent studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95 percent for lower jaw implants and 90 percent for upper jaw implants. Implants can last many years if cared for properly; many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.
There are numerous factors to consider: Implants vs dentures or implants vs bridge.
Choosing the right treatment is key to a confident smile so ask your dentist to assess your condition and recommend the best restoration treatment for you.
We refer our patients to an oral surgeon for implant placement.