Dental Implants}

Dental Implants

by

Dr Mark NiehWhat are Dental Implants?

A Dental Implant is an option to restore a missing tooth or multiple teeth in the jaw. It is one of the most successful treatments to replace missing teeth (95-98% success rate based on studies), and is also the least invasive option concerning adjacent teeth.

It does not involve cutting down healthy adjacent teeth such as seen in dental bridge, and is a fixed option that is less likely to trap food and bacteria such as a removable denture.

It will feel SIMILAR to natural tooth, since that it is attached to the jaw bone unlike that of a dental bridge or denture. However it will not feel exactly the same as a natural tooth due to the difference of how natural tooth root is attached to the jaw bone comparing to the dental implant. Which is why we still regard dental implant as an option only if no other options are available to restore a broken/fractured/decayed tooth. For best options to restore a heavily broken down tooth please refer to Dental Crowns.

The Dental Implant Procedure:

The procedure consists of placing a high-grade titanium alloy implant root analogue (artificial dental root) into the jaw bone that has been prepared to receive the implant. Once the implant root is placed, the bone is allowed to heal between 3-9 months. This is the most crucial step in impHere’s what our 3D Dental X-Ray looks like.lant procedure as failure tends to occur during this phase due to infection during healing OR body’s own foreign body reaction. SMOKERS and PATIENTS WHO ARE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED (such as diabetics, patients going through chemotherapy, etc) are more prone to implant failures due to reduced resistance to bacterial infection and poorer healing capabilities.

Upon integration of the implant to the jaw bone (Osseointegration), the dentist will then place an abutment to the implant (similar to a tooth prepared to receive a dental crown or bridge), followed by the final restoration (crown or bridge). Newer technology have allowed the abutment and crown to be fused as one piece design to improve strength and stability, but is not always possible. Your dentist will discuss with you the best option suited to you.

Advantages of Dental Implants:

Fixed option, meaning that it is attached to the jaw bone similar to a natural tooth.

Less invasive to adjacent teeth as there is no need to grind the adjacent teeth during it’s placement most of the time. Also careful procedure usually induces LESS PAIN than a tooth removal.

Cost effective, for potential future loss of teeth multiple implants can be joint together to convert to a bridge meaning not EVERY single missing teeth need to be implanted.

Considered one of the best treatment for missing tooth/teeth. High success rate comparing to other options available.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants:

Relative high cost initially comparing to most standard tooth restorations (crowns and ceramic onlays are significantly cheaper if the tooth can be restored that way.

Minor surgery is required and relative risk associated with smokers and immunocompromised patients.

Does not feel EXACTLY like real tooth but very close to it. In fact, nothing compares to natural tooth which is why we would always recommend dental restorations prior to considering removal of the tooth and replacing it with dental imlant

Aesthetic of the gum (gingiva) is more challenging to obtain as it does not attach to the implant the same way the gum attaches to natural tooth. Additional surgery may be necessary adding to the cost of treatment.

Welcome to Hornsby Dental, your dentists in Hornsby. We are a team of experienced, professional, friendly and caring dentists. Our Philosophy is to provide you with the highest quality dental care, at the most exceptional value, and to create a smile that will flourish through the years. Please visit

best dentist Hornsby

website for examples of smile transformations that we are capable of. Email us at info@hornsbydentist.com.au or call us at (02) 8090 1100.

Article Source:

eArticlesOnline.com}