Dental Implants are the latest innovation to replace a missing tooth or a number of teeth. An implant consists of an artificial titanium rod which is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a replacement for the root portion of the natural tooth. The implant is made using pure titanium which allows new bone cells to grow around it: the implant then integrates with the newly formed bone which firmly locks it into place. This process is called ‘Osseointegration’.
A Dental Implant can be used to replace –
- One tooth – One implant will be placed, a crown will then be fixed on top of the implant.
- Several teeth – Either several implants and crowns will be placed or a dental bridge will be fitted onto the implants.
- All the teeth – A number of implants are placed, then either a fixed bridge will be fitted onto the implants or the implants will be used to firmly hold a removable denture.