What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an increasingly popular method replacing lost teeth. They have a justifiable reputation for stability and longevity, providing patients with a solution which should last a life time with the right care.

A dental implant allows a false tooth to be secured in a socket that is securely housed on the jaw bone. Made from titanium, dental implants are placed beneath the gum against the jaw bone. Over time a process called osseointegration will occur whereby the implant will fuse with the bone. As such, dental implant surgery is invasive and requires local anaesthetic.

Once the implant has been placed and the area has healed, a false tooth can be screwed into it. This false tooth can then support other replacements in a bridge or can exist as a stand alone pontic amongst other natural teeth.

It is possible now for dentists to replace a whole set of teeth using strategically placed dental implants. The acrylic replacement teeth are incredibly realistic looking and durable. If the surgery is successful then there is no chance of them slipping or coming free and patients can look forward to a life time of effective use of their mouth.

The advantages some see in dental implants are disadvantages for others. The fact that they are permanent means that invasive surgery is required but measure which don’t require surgery also don’t represent solutions of such permanence. Having dentures fitted is pretty painless affair but the wearer will constantly face the prospect of having them slip out, become messy, get lost or wear away and need replacing. A further issue is the fact that dental implants represent quite an expensive option, more so than dentures.