The placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth, or a tooth, has created a phenomenal treatment option. Instead of dentures that are removable and can slip out of place, which is sometimes embarrassing, we may place permanent dental implants. Implants remain fixed inside the mouth and assist with oral function. It is, at the same time, aesthetically pleasing to look at as it becomes part of your natural mouth. Major dental advances have been made in the treatment of dental implants, and many patients have never looked back on the success of their implants.
Basically, a dental implant is like a screw embedded into your jaw bone, and then a crown or cap is placed on top of the screw. For this 'screw' to be embedded onto your jaw bone, one needs to have enough bone structure to hold the screw tight. That is the reason one needs to see a prosthodontist, as I will first assess your history of why you have lost the tooth or teeth, then examine your bite, and finally, check for enough bone. If, however, there is not enough bone, don't worry because there are procedures to augment or replace lost bone. But all these need to be assessed by a prosthodontist first.
Dental implants have provided a patient with the option of having an artificial tooth in the mouth permanently. So if you are tired of wearing dentures that need to be taken in and out of your mouth, dental implant placement with a fixed structure anchored on the implant would be an option for you.
We place dental implants using the latest 3D imaging technology. An oral maxillofacial surgeon is the specialist who places the dental implant. After the interim waiting period for the dental implant to heal, a Prosthodontist completes the procedure.
Dental implants are a long-term and natural solution to replace missing teeth. A dental implant has three major components: an implant or post made of titanium, an abutment that sits above the post and a porcelain crown to mimic the natural colour of the teeth. Dental implants are beneficial in the sense that they are not removable, they feel authentic, and with adequate care, they last infinitely as it has a 97% proven success rate.
