What are Dental Implants ?

Previously when teeth were lost the only option was a denture (‘removable plate’). Whilst a denture may be a good option in some cases, many people find a denture difficult to tolerate or an embarrassment. In recent years the advent of dental implants have provided a new alternative.

A dental implant is essentially a specialised screw to which a tooth is attached. The tooth is attached to the screw following the initial healing time.

Where multiple teeth are missing a bridge can be constructed supported by implants (‘implant supported bridge’). Implants can also be placed to support a denture (‘implant retained overdentures’). In selected cases an implant can be placed at the same time a tooth is removed.

What does it involve?

Before a dental implant can be placed a careful assessment must be made to ensure adequate bone is present to support the implant. This involves a specialized 3d Scan of the Jaws which is undertaken at no cost during your consultation and enables accurate planning of your implant.

If there is insufficient bone, a bone graft may be first required.

How are dental implants placed?

Implants can either be placed under a local anesthetic (awake) or in a hospital under a general anaesthetic (asleep).