DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental Implants
An implant is a fixture inserted into the jaw bone to provide a base for attaching a prosthesis (crown or bridge). New techniques now allow artificial teeth to be fixed firmly in the mouth. Implants have become a part of modern dentistry, and many people have benefited from this technology.
Implants can be used to replace one tooth or a number of teeth or used as points of attachment for traditional dentures. Implants are made of materials such as metal titanium, which can attach strongly to the bone. The bone attaches itself to the implant encircling it and firmly supporting it. This process is called ‘osseointegration’. In some cases, bone grafts from the hip or another part of the jaw may be needed to provide extra bone to hold the implants.
Surgery to place implants is carried out in two stages:
Stage I
requires an incision in the gum and placement of the implant fixture into the jaw bone using special techniques and instruments. Once the implant is in place, the incision is closed with stitches (which will be removed at a later appointment). The implant is allowed to heal for approximately 4 months, giving time for the bone to integrate with the implant prior to Stage II taking place.
Stage II surgery requires an ‘abutment’ to be inserted through an incision in the gum and into the implant fixture. The gums are again allowed to heal for a short time before the final stage (i.e. the fitting of the prosthesis) is carried out by your dentist or prosthodontist.
Constant attention to your oral hygiene is crucial following implants to ensure the success of the procedure and should remain a lifetime commitment.