Implants

Implants are metal tooth roots that are inserted into the jaw in order to replace missing teeth. When the implant has a crown placed on top, it looks and functions like a normal tooth. It is designed to last for many years and must be cleaned, flossed and looked after as if it was a natural tooth.

 

Implant design, materials and techniques have changed and improved over the last twenty years.  Such change is rapid and unavoidable.

 

A surgical procedure is required to place the implant into the bone.  This is normally performed with a local anaesthetic.  After this procedure you normally have to wait 2/3 months for the bone to heal around the implant.  After the bone has healed a crown can be placed on top of the implant

 

Advantages of an implant:

            

· It feels and looks like a natural tooth

· There is no drilling or touching of adjacent teeth

· Cleaning is similar to all the other teeth

            

Disadvantages of an implant:

 

· Surgery is needed

· A number of procedures are needed

· It can not be instantly. It requires time

· It is expensive

 

 

 

 

 

 

            A space before and after placement of an

            implant.  An x-ray showing the implant in the

            bone.

          

 

 

 

 

 

           The crown is placed on top of the implant in two stages. 

 

http://www.ada.org.au/faqs/faqsCategory,category,Implants.aspx