Dental Implants offer a permanent alternative for missing teeth, dentures and for people losing their teeth.

Dental implants are made of titanium and are inserted into the bone in place of missing roots.  The titanium becomes attached to the bone in a process known as “osseointegration”

They can be used as follows:

Example 1: to replace a single tooth supporting a crown

before                                                           after

Example 2: to replace several teeth supporting bridgework

before (healing abutments in situ)                          after (bridge in place)

They can also help stabilise dentures.  This can be very useful for people whose mouths do not give the natural support necessary to hold a conventional denture in place.  They help support "overdentures" via special attachments.

Temporary Teeth

Whilst the implants "osseointegrate", a temporary replacement is necessary so that patients are never left without teeth.

Same Day Teeth

If the bone quality is good, a temporary crown or bridge can be attached directly onto the implant(s) on the same day.  If the quality is less good, a temporary bridge can be attached to neighbouring teeth or a removable denture made.

Links

The Association of Dental Implantology - ADI - Visit: www.adi.org.uk