Dental implants

What are they?

A dental implant is perhaps the ultimate in dental cosmetic surgery. It consists of a titanium screw inserted into the jaw to act as a stable 'root' and then a prosthetic tooth is attached to the end of it.

What is the procedure?

The implant procedure takes about an hour. First, X-rays are taken and the correct position of the implant is determined. Then, after some local anaesthetic is administered, the gum is cut in the gap and a precise hole is drilled into the jaw bone. A titanium screw is then put into the hole. This has a thread on the outside to let it grip the bone as it grows around it. The process is virtually painless. After the surgery is complete you will have a short course of antibiotics to prevent infection and you may experience a little bruising and tenderness. Over the next 4-6 months or so the bone will grow around the implant and hold it firmly in place.

The pre-made prosthetic tooth is then screwed in to give a permanent, realistic looking appearance.

How long do they last?

They should last your lifetime.

Pros

• They are permanent and look and feel just like your own real teeth
• Big advantage over dentures in that they don't move when you eat and they don't have to be specially cleaned
• Very good success rate with over 95% of implants being successful

Cons

• They are expensive when compared to bridges
• The procedure takes several months
• The 'tooth' may need replacing every 10-15 years