A dental implant is a small screw that is gently inserted in the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Modern implants have a long history of success. They open up a world of opportunities and options that are better, healthier and more comfortable. They are more cost-effective than many alternative dental treatments.
When teeth are lost the surrounding bone starts shrinking. Dental implants maintain the shape of the bone to help support the gums and facial profile. Implants are designed as an alternative to bridgework for permanently replacing missing teeth, eliminating the need to grind down healthy teeth. Another use for implants is securing or stabilising dentures for greater comfort and increased self-confidence.
The process is based on a process of integration of titanium or zirconia to the surrounding bone. This allows the new replacement tooth or teeth to have a very strong and stable base, maintaining the surrounding bone. This is the reason why implants give you the comfort, functionality and beauty of healthy teeth.
The healing of implants depends on this natural process.
Traditional dentistry, which relies on bridges, partial and complete dentures, simply cannot compare to the 'good as new' quality that advanced implant technology can give you. Teeth are rarely lost today because every effort is made to save them. There are a number of reasons why teeth may need to be taken out.
Dental Disease
When very little of the tooth remains because of a lot of decay. For example, root-filled teeth with failed post crowns or broken teeth.
Gum Disease
The supporting bone around the tooth is lost due to pocketing and infection, in some cases even leading to tooth mobility.
Unsuccessful Root canal therapy
Teeth that have been root canal treated can be prone to persistent infection resulting in a poor prognosis and are often removed.
Implant therapy is the replacement of the root with an artificial root that is made from titanium or zirconia. The procedure can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth.
