Dental Implants

What Are Implants?
Missing teeth can often be replaced by implants.  Implants are made of titanium and act like roots of teeth.  After they have been placed and have integrated, dentures or crowns may be attached to them.  When dentures are held in place by implants there is minimal movement.  If crowns are fitted on implants they act like normal teeth.

Implants can only be placed if there is enough bone present in the jaw.  When teeth are lost the bone around the teeth gradually dissolves away.  If too much bone has been lost, it is sometimes possible to develop bone in its place.

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What are the benefits of having a dental implant? 

*The ‘new tooth’ will look and feel like your own teeth.

You do not have to wear a denture, or have to grind down the adjacent teeth to secure a bridge. You will have confidence in chewing food, just as you do with your own teeth.

*If you wear dentures already, implants can secure a denture and improve your chewing power and confidence.

 

What are my tooth replacement options?  

*Leave the space or gap. The problem here is that other teeth move or tilt into the space and the bite is altered. When it is in the front of the mouth, leaving the gap is usually not acceptable to most people.

*A removable plastic or metal-based partial denture is relatively inexpensive but also often not acceptable because it can be removed. A denture can damage adjacent teeth, especially if it is poorly fitting.

*A fixed bridge is where several teeth are joined together and cemented onto the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. The adjacent teeth need to be strong and may be cut down to form stumps.

*A dental implant replaces the tooth, helps maintain the natural height of the jaw bone and supports the new crown on top.

 

For more information please ask for an appointment with Scott Wetton or Hannah Pepper.