Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of a few options available to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are crowns held in by a metal implant screwed into the bone. It involves two phases of treatment:
Surgical phase
This involves placement of an implant into an extracted or missing tooth site. Before the surgery, x-rays of the site are needed to plan and choose the appropriate implant. Once it is in place, the jaw bone that surrounds the implant grows around it to hold the screw securely in place. This process is called Osseointegration. This takes approximately three months.
Restorative Phase
Once an implant is placed and healed appropriately a crown can then be placed on top. The process of making an implant supported crown is similar to making a crown. We take a digital scan of the mouth and color match the crown shade to the neighboring teeth. The scan is then sent off to a lab and will be ready three weeks later. Implants have been around for long time and have a very high long-term success rate.
If you have a missing tooth you are wishing to have replaced please either come into our clinic or give us a call to discuss if an implant is a good option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are surgically placed titanium screws that act as permanent anchor in the jaw bone for crowns, bridges or dentures. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth to restore function as well as aesthetics.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Most people with healthy gums and sufficient bone density are good candidates. Your dentist will assess your overall health, oral condition, and bone structure to determine if implants are suitable for you.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The whole process typically takes a few months. After the implant is placed, there’s a healing period of a few months to allow the implant to bond with the bone before placing the final crown.
Do dental implants hurt?
Implant placement is usually done under local anaesthesia so that you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort afterwards is common but usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and regular dental checkups, implants can last many years, often decades, making them a long-term solution for missing teeth.