Teeth implants are titanium screws that are placed directly into the jawbone. They can be used to replace a single tooth or several teeth. They can also be used to secure loose dentures.
The end results look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Tooth implants are fixed and do not require removal. They are often the ideal replacement for missing teeth.
Since they are anchored to your bone (as a natural tooth would be) they provide a robust means for replacing a missing tooth. Patients with implants enjoy improved speech and appearance. They can also boost your self confidence and self esteem.
Your dental implant is placed precisely and gently into healthy bone under local anaesthetic and the gum is then stitched over the top. The stitches dissolve away over the next few weeks so you don’t have to worry about having them removed. The implant is then usually left for a period of 3-6 months where it is allowed to fuse to the bone in a process known as osseo-integration. This allows the bone to grow around the implant and locks it securely in place. Once integrated the implant can be used to secure crowns/bridges and even dentures.
It is understandable to be nervous about the procedure. But don’t be, most patients rarely complain of pain during the procedure or even afterwards. Your implants are placed using local anaesthetic so you won’t feel a thing. You may have discomfort for the next day or so afterwards which is often controlled with regular painkillers. The majority of patients are back to work the next day with minimal disruption to their daily lives.