DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots do not allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements. Dental implants are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth and allow these new teeth to feel, look and function naturally. When performed by a trained and experienced dentist, dental implant surgery is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry. Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implant fuses with your jawbone, the implants won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can’t decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can. Dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth.

• Have adequate jawbone structure to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft.

• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing.

• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures.

• Not looking for a quick fix solution, as treatment time is 4 to 5 months with several visits.

Some of the reasons to consider dental implants include:

• Strong chewing force, appearance and feeling similar to normal teeth.

• Durable and are likely to last several years, with minimal maintenance.

• Although more expensive than dentures in the short term they turn out to be more affordable in the long run.

• Protection of jaw bone and adjacent teeth structure.

• No discomfort of a denture.

• Easy maintenance as it just needs normal oral hygiene.