Description: | What is a dental implant? Dental implants are the most advanced way to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It is a replacement root made most commonly of titanium which is implanted into the jaw in areas where a tooth or teeth have been lost. This then acts as a root and a replacement tooth can then be fixed to it in a similar way as a crown. They are currently the closest you can get to natural teeth and although it is impossible to beat or replicate a healthy natural tooth, it is often reported by patients that implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. What does the treatment involve? Most implants are placed under local anaesthesia similar to that used for fillings or extractions. They are inserted into the jawbone after incisions are made in the gums. After a period of time the bone into which the implant is placed will attach to the surface of the implant. A small metal pin is then fitted onto the implant upon which a final restoration in the form of a crown or bridge or over-denture is fixed. |