Dental
What is a dental
implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth which is surgically inserted into the jawbone using a titanium screw. Dental implants mimic the way in which a natural tooth is held in place by its root.
Over time, dental implants fuse with bone in the jaw, preventing bone loss. As a result, dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants may require several surgical procedures over a period of months. No two dental implants are exactly alike, thus it is important to discuss your specific needs with dentist.
Details of implants
What is the procedure for a dental implant?
Many factors, such as the patient’s overall health, the quality of the surrounding jawbone and the number of teeth in need of replacement can influence a dental implant procedure. As a general rule, you can expect the following:
- Complete oral assessment including a scan of the affected area, extraction of any damaged teeth and bone restoration (if necessary) in order to optimise the site of the implant.
- Surgical insertion of the implant
- Whole mouth impression in order to create a crown
- Attachment of the crown to the implant
You may need to wait several months after steps 1 and 2 for healing to occur. Therefore the entire dental implant procedure from initial consultation to crown placement takes between 3 and 6 months.
F&Q
People also ask
How long does teeth implant last?
The average lifespan of a dental implant is anywhere from 10 -30 years. This means that most likely, depending on your age when you get an implant, it will last for the rest of your life. No other tooth replacement option has the ability to last that long.
Is it painful to get a dental implant?
With numbed nerves, you can expect not to feel any pain during your dental implant procedure. You may feel pressure at times, but it should not cause you discomfort. For patients who have anxiety with dental procedures, oral sedation is available.
