DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing natural teeth. Implants and their attached crowns closely mimic the look and function of real teeth. They can make an attractive alternative to dentures and bridges.

Dental implant techniques can replace one or several missing teeth. In some cases, an entire set of artificial teeth can be carried on dental implants.

A dental implant is the metal "root" (implant) that is inserted into the jawbone. The artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the implant by use of an abutment. In some cases, instead of an artificial tooth, an implant can be fitted with special clips or attachments (similar to press-studs) to hold a denture. The studs will minimise movement of the denture.

Dental Implants:
• helps to withstand greater bite pressure with dentures
• prevent bone loss in the jaw (this may reduce the risk of adjacent natural teeth becoming loose)
• prevent the formation of hollowed or collapsed cheeks that can occur after tooth extraction (missing teeth cause bone loss in the jaw)
• are usually surrounded by gum tissue like natural teeth
• may prevent gum recession
• unlike bridges, do not require the cutting and reshaping of neighbouring healthy teeth
• are firmly secured in the jaws
• are usually more comfortable than dentures
• usually do not require separate care routines or special cleaning products, as with dentures or bridges
• like natural teeth, are cleaned by dental floss and brushing with regular toothpaste.

A dental implant is designed to last for many years, but poor oral hygiene can shorten its lifespan. Good oral hygiene is crucial.

Like real teeth, artificial teeth that are not regularly brushed and flossed can develop deposits (plaque and calculus) that eventually lead to dental problems such as bleeding gums, loss of bone, infection and pain.

Properly maintained implants that are anchored by sufficient bone can last for many years, although repairs may be expected like any other dental appliances.

In order to acheive a good outcome, a patient's case may need to be managed by several practitioners. While this can affect the length of treatment and costs, it is done in the interests of the patient's well-being.

Dental Implant Procedures

Different types of implants are available. Most implants are made from materials such as titanium that are capable of forming a strong integration with the surrounding bone tissue.

In most cases, the dental implant procedure involves three separate treatment stages:
• insertion of the implant into the bone
• insertion of the abutment (or connector) on the implant
• attachment of the artificial tooth (crown) to the abutment or
connector.

The overall implant process can take considerable time. The procedure can take from three to six months or more from surgical placement of the implant to the fitting of the crown.

This depends on factors such as your general and dental health, the amount of bone, rate of healing, degree of integration between the implant and the bone, and the extent of any other dental problems.

In some cases, the dentist may insert the implant and affix both the abutment and an artificial tooth during a single operation. However, not every patient is suitable for, and not all dentists offer, this single-stage procedure.

The insertion of the implant can be performed at the dentist's clinic, at a day-surgery centre, or in hosital. The dentist will advise which setting is the most appropriate for you.

Depending on the complexity, the procedure can take from 30 minutes to several hours. At Integrated Dental Care, we are offering to patients undergoing implant surgery who require more than one implant, placement of a second implant at no extra charge. This is a saving of over $2000!