Advantages and Details
Dental Implants can be used to support crowns replacing single missing teeth, bridges that restore a larger span of missing teeth, or even dentures. A dental implant is a replacement of tooth roots which are made of titanium. These roots are kept in the jawbone to hold the prosthetic or artificial tooth also called the crown. Dental implants have become widespread.
Advantages
Dental implants have several important advantages over conventional crowns, bridges and dentures: Implants look and feel like natural teeth; Implants function in the same way as natural teeth and there are no difficulties with eating or cleaning teeth.
The presence of the implant maintains the structure of the bone beneath the replaced tooth which helps preserve a good appearance, to both restored teeth and face. Dental implants can be used to give removable dentures a firm grip with no glues required to hold them in place.
The Process
Once you decide to go ahead with an implant, we will start you off. Dr. David will refer you to a specialist. We will provide you with all the details you need and stay in touch with you throughout the process with the specialist.
At your convenience, arrange a consult with your specialist who will be expecting your call. The specialist will do site preparation and place implant along with a temporary tooth solution. Healing time, also called osseointegration, is required.
Post the healing phase, is the restorative phase. Dr. David will take an impression to record the location of the implant head. Dr. David will use this in the design of a prosthetic tooth also called a crown. The tooth is then made by the lab.
Timeframe
The time frame for completing the implant and crown depends on many factors. When the traditional method of placing an implant is used, the shortest timeframe for a complete implant is about five months in the lower jaw and six months in the upper jaw. This includes surgeries and placing the permanent crown. However the process can last a year or more, particularly if bone needs to be built up first.
At your last visit, Dr. David will, through screw retention to head of implant, attach your crown.
Get in Touch
Talk to us and we will guide you through your decision.