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Dental Implants
Tooth loss
can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position.
This can lead to a change in the bite, the loss
of additional teeth, decay and gum disease.
Dental implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several teeth.
Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted into the
jawbone, and a protruding post, which is outfitted with an artificial tooth. Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial denture. or secure a fixed denture. The process requires surgery and may take 4-12
months to complete.
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Your implant will function just as your
original tooth did, and should be treated with the same care. Brush and floss at least twice a day, and for the first two weeks, avoid stain-causing foods such as coffee, tea, berries and other such items.
Brush after every meal and snack during these first two weeks. Before the tooth is in place, be sure to brush and floss the abutment(s) as well.
With proper care, your implants will last you a lifetime.
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DENTAL IMPLANTS
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- Secure a removable denture
Procedures
Several steps are usually necessary to place an implant. Depending on the type of implant, the
steps may vary. The placement of a single-tooth endosteal implant is illustrated here.
- In the first procedure under anaesthesia, a metal anchor, or artificial root, is placed into the
jawbone. Bone grows around the anchor. This takes about three to six months.
- Next, a healing post is placed when the implant is uncovered.
- The healing post is removed and a metal post (the abutment) is attached to the anchor.
- A mould is taken and an artificial tooth is made. One to two weeks later, the new tooth is
completed and cemented to the abutment. Further appointments may be necessary for comfort and final bite adjustments.
Your implant will function just as your original tooth did, and should be treated with the same care.
Brush and floss at least twice a day, and for the first two weeks, avoid stain-causing foods such as coffee, tea, berries and other such items. Brush after every meal and snack during these first two
weeks. Before the tooth is in place, be sure to brush and floss the abutment(s) as well.
With proper care, your implants will last you a lifetime.
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