implants

problem: I have a gap where I would like a tooth, but don’t want to destroy the teeth next to the gap

problem: My denture keeps moving and traps food under it

Dental Implants are a great stride forward in modern dentistry. We are able to replace teeth without having to prepare or destroy other teeth. Implants are made from coated and impregnated hollow titanium screws that are surgically fitted in the bones of the jaw. These implants integrate with the jawbone to provide a stable platform on which to place crowns, bridges or even full dentures.

The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone under local anaesthetic. If there is not enough bone for the implant, a bone graft of one sort or another may be required. Once the bone graft and the implants are done, the crown, bridge or denture may be fitted at the same time. This is called immediate loading and is not recommended. The recommended treatment is to wait up to 4 months before the crown, etc. are fitted (2 stage implants) allowing the bone time to integrate with the implant.

Advantages: Implants have been placed routinely for over 20 years. During that time they have been improved significantly, and are now over 90% successful. Adjacent teeth are not affected in the placing of the implants and there is little post-operative pain or discomfort associated with the procedure. If there is no infection involved with the extraction of the natural tooth, the implant can often be placed at the time of extraction, but cannot be loaded immediately. Because of the simplicity of the procedure, most dentists can learn the techniques.  

Disadvantages: The equipment needed to perform the implant, as well as the implant itself is expensive. Smoking is often a contra-indication for success in some cases. Implants are not a quick-fix solution as time is needed for the implant to integrate into the bone.