Dental implants offer a long-lasting and discreet choice of treatment for replacing teeth. Your dentist places them directly into your jawbone, where they provide an artificial replacement for the root of your missing tooth or teeth. They can support crowns or dentures, in a similar way that roots support natural teeth.
An implant is not the only way to replace missing teeth. Other options are dentures (false teeth attached to a removable metalor plastic framework) or bridges (false teeth fixed onto the existing teeth either side of the missing tooth or teeth). Your dentist will help you to decide what’s best for you. An implant isn’t the right option for everybody. It can depend on many things, including which teeth are missing, and the condition of your remaining teeth and gums.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant itself is a titanium screw, which is placed directly into your jawbone, replacing your missing tooth root. After it’s fitted, the bone surrounding your implant will gradually fuse to it, holding the implant firmly in place. A false tooth (a crown or denture) is then fitted to the top of the implant (the abutment), giving a natural look to your smile.
Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implants are usually fitted during two separate procedures:
1). First the implant itself is fitted into your jawbone. A temporary tooth (crown) is placed over it whilst this heals.
2). Secondly the permanent new tooth (crown) is fitted onto the implant a few months later.
