What are Implants?
A Dental implant is a small titanium root substitute that is placed
(implanted) in the jawbone. It can be used to either replace a single missing
tooth, provide an abutment (anchor or retainer) to replace several missing
teeth, or be used as a retainer to provide added retention to a removable dental
appliance - such as a full denture. In fact, if you are missing all of your
natural teeth, it is possible to have maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower)
fixed replacements - the replacements do not come out.
Dental implants are a proven restorative option with a long clinical history.
Dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the
inconvenience associated with tooth loss.
Benefits of Implants
Dental implants are one of the best options for replacing missing teeth. Some
of the many benefits are:
- Improved Appearance - Dental implants can slow or stop the jaw bone from
shrinkage after tooth loss. Dental implants look like your own natural teeth.
- Protect Your Remaining Natural Teeth - Dental implants are often more
appropriate than a bridge for the replacement of one or more adjacent teeth.
With conventional bridgework, the teeth surrounding missing teeth must be ground
down. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify these teeth, resulting
in a conservative, yet esthetic restoration.
- Improved Comfort - Dental implants can eliminate the pain and discomfort
of removable full or partial dentures. As well as those numerous embarrassing
inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures, such as mumbling, slurred
speech or clicking noises and worry that your teeth will pop out or fall down.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Not everyone is an idea candidate for successful implant treatment . For
example there has to be adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant(s)
along with healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.
Advantages of Implants
- Implant restorations are the closest thing to your own teeth.
- The placement of implants preserve your jaw bone.
- Implants last and do not decay.
- Almost 500,000 implants were placed in 2000.
- The dental profession has over 30 years experience with implants.
Disadvantages of Implants
- If you are in a hurry, implants are probably not for you.
- Bone grafts are sometimes needed.
- Time has to be allowed for healing.
- Implant therapy costs more than conventional tooth replacement.
If you are interested in Dental Implants then please
contact us to arrange a
consultation appointment with Mat Popham.
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