Dental implants are small dental appliances surgically inserted into both the upper and lower jaws to replace one or more missing or diseased teeth. Today more and more people are choosing implants over removable dentures or fixed bridges. That’s largely because dentures and bridges have several disadvantages. For example, bridges can affect nearby healthy teeth, and dentures may cause bone loss in the area where the teeth are missing. Dental implants are small dental appliances surgically inserted into both the upper and lower jaws to replace one or more missing or diseased teeth. Today more and more people are choosing dental implants over removable dentures or fixed bridges. That’s largely because dentures and bridges have several disadvantages.
For example, bridges can affect nearby healthy teeth, and dentures may cause bone loss in the area where the teeth are missing.
Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots and can be used in both the upper and lower jaws. Resembling screws, they are made from metal called titanium and other materials that are safe for use in the human body. A dental professional surgically attaches the implants to the jawbone and gum tissue. The implants then can be used as an anchor for dental crowns, or artificial replacement teeth. Patients who are in good health and have healthy gums and adequate bone to support implants are usually considered candidates for dental implants. If you are self-conscious about your missing, diseased, or decayed teeth, ask your dental professional if dental implants are a good option for you.
How long does the treatment take?
This treatment can be undertaken in a single day or in some scenarios, it may take 3 months (for implants placed in the lower jaw) or up to 6 months (for implants placed in the upper jaw) to conclude the treatment, from start to completion. The treatment duration may vary depending on the type of implant treatment being considered, the width and height of available bone, the healing time required after the removal of the tooth in the area, the quality and sufficiency of bone, the possible presence of infection and the possible requirement for bone graft.
At Blueberry Dental Surgery in Bracknell we aim to keep your teeth healthy so they will last as long as you need them. However, when disease or trauma claims one or more of your teeth, it is good to know there is a treatment that provides a permanent solution to your problem.
In our practice we use materials from Straumann, a leading manufacturer of dental implants. Here is a quick animation of the procedure: