Dental implants have revolutionised the replacement of missing teeth - single, multiple or an entire dentition. Dental implants are fixed to an individual’s jaw bone and is arguably the closest replica to a natural tooth - it is also the preferred treatment option for many patients due to their comfort and long term stability.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is composed of 3 parts:
1) Titanium screw = “Root”
A titanium screw that is placed into the jaw bone, essentially replacing the “root” of a tooth. Over time, bone grows around the implant, and once it is completely integrated and artificial crown (the part of the tooth that we can see above the bone/gum) is then attached to it
2) An abutment = “Connector”
The part that connects the titanium screw to the crown
3) An artificial crown
This is the part above the gum that is attached to the titanium screw. It fills the gap that is left by the missing tooth. It is made such that it matches a person’s natural teeth in size, shape and shade
Dental implants can also hold a dental bridge or denture in place.
What does treatment involve?
Dental implant treatment involves several stages that are performed over several months.
1) Consult and treatment planning
Firstly, diagnostic models, scans and radiographs are taken to give the dentist a clear picture of where to place the implant. There needs to be sufficient space and good bone quality / quantity for an implant to be placed.
2) Preliminary treatment
3) Implant placement
After careful treatment planning, this is when the titanium screw is surgically placed into the jaw bone. This is done under local anaesthtic - there is an option to have this performed under sedation/sleep dentistry.
4) Healing process
Following the surgical placement of the titanium screw, we need to allow for some time for the bone to grow around the implant. This typically takes a few months. Once the implants is stable the implant can be restored.
5) Restorative process
Finally the dentist. The artificial tooth is either screwed on cemented into the titanium screw.