WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Implants are artificial tooth roots (screws), made of pure titanium or titanium-alloy, which are inserted (anchored) into the jaw, where they perform the function of the natural tooth that has been lost.

WHERE IT CAN BE PLACED? It can be placed wherever teeth are missing. It can be for a single tooth , multiple teeth by an implant supported partial or full arch fixed bridge, all teeth replaced with a implant supported removable overdenture.

HOW IMPLANTS CAN BE DONE? The first stage is a surgical phase which involves the placement of the titanium implant in the jaw bone. This is followed by a healing resting phase of 3-6 months.

What is a dental implant made of?
Dental implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is accepted by the body and serves as a strong and sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Your natural bone locks the implant into place by fusing, or attaching itself, to the implant.


The second stage is the restorative/prosthetic phase, where the tooth is placed over the anchored implant using it as a support/pillar.


WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF IMPLANTS OVER OTHER TOOTH REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES?

  • Implants are better than a fixed bridge, as it preserves the adjacent teeth from unnecessary grinding.
  • It gives more confidence during eating and smiling as it gives the effect of emerging from the jaw as a natural tooth.
  • Implants with overdenture are better as it gives more stability.
  • It also helps in preserving the underlying bone and maintains the function of the overlying musculature.

What type of maintenance do dental implants require?
Implant crowns and other prosthetic (false) tooth replacements are made to be remarkably failsafe systems. They are removable and replaceable (only by your dentist), so that if damage or wear necessitates replacement, this can be accomplished without affecting the implant(s) or attachment to the bone.

Nevertheless, implants do require maintenance. It is important to practice good daily oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing to control bacterial biofilm. It is also important to see your dentist and dental hygienist. Special instruments are necessary to clean dental implants that will not damage their metal surface beneath the gum tissues. Your dentist will need to monitor your implants to make sure the integrity of the osseointegration is stable, and that the implant crowns, bridgework or dentures are functioning adequately.