What are Dental Implants?

What are dental implants

A dental implant is a manufactured tooth root that is put into your jaw bone in order to hold a replacement tooth bridges. They are used to provide a strong and durable foundation for which a permanent or removable tooth/ teeth can be applied to mimic the look of natural teeth and are most commonly used in people whom have lost a tooth or multiple teeth. As you can see in the image below, the dental implant consists of three main parts;

  • The implant – This is a piece of titanium designed in the shape of a tooth root and placed in the bone and is made to replicate that of a natural tooth
  • The abutment – This is placed inside the implant and provides a platform for which your crown sits on and is specifically fabricated by our lab technicians
  • The crown – This is a dental prosthesis that is placed on top of the abutment and is uses to make your implant look exactly like a natural tooth

The procedure for Dental Implants?

The total procedure for dental implants is completed in just two simple phases and the process to restoring your mouth to its former glory will be done in just 6 – 9 months. The first phase is the surgical phase and this is done by your dental practitioner with local anaesthetic.

The first phase;

  1. First of all, your mouth will be numbed by using local anaesthesia, this is essential for in the process of applying your dental implant.
  2. A small incision is made in your gums where your dental implant is going to be placed.
  3. A drill is then used in order to create a space for the implant to be inserted.
  4. After the space has been made, the implant will be screwed into place either via hand or with the drill used to create the space in part 3
  5. Once the implant is in place, the abutment will be inserted onto the implant where it will remain during the healing process
  6. Your gum will then be closed over the implant and then a stitch will be applied to seal them
  7. Over the next few months the titanium implant will start to fuse with your jaw bone

The second phase;

  1. This phase begins with the re-exposure of the implant, whereby a small incision is made to expose the implant (unless the abutment lies above your gums)
  2. One of our dentists will then book you in for a series of appointments and the steps taken here will vary from each patient (your dentist will explain this to you)
  3. The final step in this phase will be placing your new crown onto the abutment, depending on which tooth has been removed, the dentist may try a few different crowns to see which one matches your teeth the best

Types of Dental Implants

There are a couple of different types of dental implants which vary in size and height. One of our dental experts will determine which options are the best for you depending on which teeth/ tooth that you need replacing.

The two different types of dental implants are;

  1. Endosteal Implants – These implants are most commonly shaped like a small screw, a cylinder or a plate and are the most common dental implant used
  2. Subperiosteal Implants – These implants are used underneath your gum but on or above your jawbone. This implant is used on patients that have a shallow jawbone or those who don’t want to undergo the procedure in order to rebuild it.