What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is quite simply a small root-shaped screw made from titanium that is placed into the jaw bone in an area where a tooth has been lost. The implant then acts as a ‘root’ on which single crowns can be placed. More implants can be inserted into spaces where several teeth have been lost, to support dentures or bridges.
Dental implants have become the alternative to bridgework for permanently replacing missing teeth. No preparation of the healthy teeth either side is necessary. Implants can greatly improve comfort and are frequently used to stabilise moving or slipping dentures, this greatly improves the quality of life for those who struggle to cope with dentures.
Who can have dental implants?
Anyone in reasonable health who wants to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The important requirement is that there is enough bone in the area of the missing teeth to provide the anchorage for the implants. Whether you have one or all of your teeth missing, most people are excellent candidates for dental implants.
Why have dental implants become so popular?
Dental implants offer a permanent fixed dental replacement system, which has become very important to our overall health. Dentures have obvious problems: they can be loose and unstable. Implants can provide people with dental replacements that are both functional and look good too!