A dental implant is the ‘state of the art’ alternative to replacing a tooth, or closing a gap where a tooth once used to be. 

An implant can be a single tooth replacement, or involved in a bridge - replacing numerous teeth, implants can also be used to stabilise a full denture. The main advantage of an implant is that we do not need to prepare or change the shape of any of your existing natural teeth, and that implants are just as strong as your natural tooth.

What does it involve?

There are two main steps in replacing a missing tooth with an implant retained crown.

Firstly the titanium implant is placed into the jawbone.  The implant will act like the root of a tooth with the bone knitting around the implant and giving the implant enough strength to attach a crown onto. 

Secondly a crown will be constructed and attached to the implant.  There are several appointments required in the planning and construction of a dental implant retained crown.

At your initial examination we determine whether there is sufficient and suitable bone for the implant.  One or more radiographs (XRays) will need to be taken and from these films we are able to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant. The film also allows us to select the correct components required, and to guide the positioning of the implant.

Next an appointment is scheduled to place the implant with the implant surgeon. Depending on the type of implant system used, there is usually a period of one to three months between the placement of the implant and the restoration of the tooth.  This allows the bone to knit or (osseo-integrate) with the titanium. 

After osseointegration, the implant is torque tested to ensure it is fully integrated with the bone and this is the go-ahead for us to restore the tooth.

Next impressions are taken, and a crown designed and made by a dental ceramicist.  The crown will take from 14 to 21 days to be constructed.

We are then able to attach the crown or bridge to the implant.

The end result will be a natural looking and functioning tooth, without the need to grind into the adjacent teeth.

How to care for your implant.

Maintaining the structures that support the implant, are of extreme importance, and the dentist or dental hygienist will instruct you on what techniques are best suited for your case.