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Implants

The loss of a tooth, especially a front tooth can be quite traumatic. It can cause embarrassment and make people self-conscious about smiling or feel awkward in social situations.

The development of dental implants has been the most significant innovation in restorative dental health care. Resembling a screw and replicating a tooth root, a dental implant is made from medical-grade titanium, which naturally integrates and bonds with your jawbone, becoming a solid foundation able to support a crown or bridge.

A dental implant is amazing in its simplicity and revolutionary in its application, with implant treatment enjoying a very high success rate of between 92-98% in healthy bone. Your procedure is planned meticulously by utilising highly detailed radiographs and placement is conducted with clinical precision and a skilled hand.

Although there are various options for replacing missing teeth, a dental implant is considered the ideal solution. Other treatment alternatives such as a bridge, involves reshaping the adjacent supportive teeth, whilst a partial denture relies on metal clasps locking onto surrounding teeth for support. A dental implant is completely independent and secured into your jawbone, just like a natural tooth root.

Single tooth replacement implants consist of the implant and a tooth-coloured restorative crown. These are ideal if you are missing just one tooth or several teeth but in different areas of your mouth. Utilising an implant to replace these teeth will not impact on any of your remaining healthy teeth.

Similar to replacing a single tooth, if you are missing three or four adjacent teeth, placement of two implants can provide the necessary support for a dental bridge. As with single tooth replacement, an implant supported bridge also does not rely on adjacent teeth for support.

It is important to replace missing teeth, not just for your smile appearance and confidence, but for your long-term oral health. When you are missing teeth, your adjacent and opposing teeth can move out of alignment and become crooked. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which consequently can lead to further tooth loss.

Additionally, when you are missing teeth your jawbone where your tooth root is normally positioned begins to recede in volume and strength. This can impact on the adjacent roots and lead to a loss of facial muscle strength and elasticity, causing sagging and the appearance of premature aging.

Implant placement

The procedure for placing an implant is essentially the same whether you are receiving a single tooth implant or an implant supported bridge.

Placed under local anaesthetic, many patients who receive dental implants comment that it’s a pain-free procedure, often returning to work or their normal daily routine the next day. Many report having an implant placed is more comfortable than having the tooth extracted.

Receiving a single implant usually takes less than one hour. For multiple implants more time is necessary.

Firstly, a small incision is made in your gum and a pilot hole is made in your jawbone, which is used to guide your implant into its optimal position as determined from your x-rays and planning appointments.

Once in place, your implant may be left to fuse with the bone for several months before your permanent restoration is placed. If this is the case, temporary restorations can be placed in the interim.

Depending on your current oral and general health, it may be possible to place your implant and permanent tooth coloured restoration at the same appointment. Dr Iyer will discuss this option with you following a thorough examination.

The long-term success of your implant treatment is influenced by your oral health. Therefore it is important for the health of your natural teeth and gums that you implement and continue with a regular at home oral hygiene routine. You should also schedule checkup and cleaning appointments every 6 to 12 months as recommended by Dr Iyer.

To experience the many benefits of dental implants, restore your smile, oral health and quality of life, call and schedule an assessment appointment with Dr Devika Iyer.