- What Are Dental Implants?
- How Do I Know If Implants Are Right For Me?
- What Is Involved In Placing Implants?
- Pictures Of Actual Implants carried out at the practice!!! click here
- What Are The Benefits And Risks?
- What Materials Are Used To Make Implants?
- How Should I
Select A Dentist To Perform Implants
What Are Dental
Implants?
A dental implant is a substitute, or replacement tooth root, which provides
a stable foundation for a replacement crown. The bone forms a biological bond
with the new root (implant) giving your new crown the same stable foundation
as a natural tooth.
Because implants require some surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the implant and be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
A replacement tooth root
Now with
tooth attached
If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation by dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate. This evaluation includes a clinical examination and a complete dental and medical history to gather information about any dental and medical conditions that you have, such as diabetes, heart problems or any condition that interferes with normal healing.
What
Is Involved In Placing Implants?
Implants costs significantly more than dentures or bridges and require a considerable
investment of time. The implant process involves several steps and may take
up to nine months to complete. First, surgery is performed to place the anchor.
Up to six months may be required for the bone to grow around the anchor and
firmly hold it in place. Some implants require a second surgery in which a
post is attached to connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. With other
implants, the anchor and post are already attached and are placed at the same
time. After the gums have healed the restorative phase begins. The restorative
teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several
fittings may required, this step can take one or two months to complete.
Implant surgery
can only be done in a dental surgery with very strict cross infection
protocol. Heckmondwike Dental Centre has a dedicated implant suite for
this purpose. This service can also be done at the BUPA Hospital in Elland,
where Dr Sharma has admitting rights.
Implants provide artificial teeth that look more natural. Many people also report that when they chew, the implants feel more secure and more like natural teeth. People who cannot successfully use conventional dentures or people who need an alternative to removable partial dentures may be candidates for implants. Sometimes using implants can cause"stress" to the bones in the jaw. If bone loss occurs as a result, the implant may loosen. If the implant fails it may need to be replaced with a conventional denture. It may be possible to place another implant at the same or adjacent site
What Materials
Are Used To Make Implants?
Replacement teeth are made of porcelain, metal or polymer resin, the same
materials are those used for conventional bridges and dentures. The anchors
and posts are made from a number of synthetic materials. Titanium is a
favoured metal for many implants since it is very compatible with bone
and other tissues. This is the same metal that is used in Hip and Knee
joints.
Choosing a dentist to perform an implant may seem confusing as first. Ask your dentist for information and possibly a referral. Although a single dentist may perform the entire process, frequently two or more dentists are involved. One dentist places the implant and another dentist makes and fits the replacement teeth. We at Heckmondwike Dental Centre prefer to carry out the full treatment ourselves. Therefore we are totally responsible for your treatment. Dental implants are a complex procedure requiring specific knowledge and training. If you are considering implants, consult your dentist for information and, possibly, a referral to Heckmondwike Dental Centre.
