Dental Implant
Dental Implant

Dental Implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. It is a best option for those who have lost one, most or all of their teeth, and need fixed natural looking teeth. Most modern implants are made of titanium. Titanium and titanium alloy are well accepted by the jaw bone. The external surface of the implant may be treated by different methods to increase the surface area available for bone cells to grow into.

Dental implants are available in different sizes and shapes like screws, blades and cylinders. The implant dentist selects the most appropriate implant after studying the case.

Why to place an implant?

Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges

Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges. Conventionally fixed replacement of missing teeth was done by Bridges after abrading natural adjacent teeth for support. However, if teeth on either side of the missing tooth space were not present it would not be possible to make a tooth supported bridge & an Implant supported bridge would be the other alternative. Implants need neither gum nor teeth to support them. Implants are placed directly in bone and do not damage surrounding teeth. They function like individual natural teeth. Loose removable dentures can be made firm in the mouth by clipping them over 2 or 4 Implants.

What are the advantages of an implant?

Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges

How does an implant prevent bone loss?

Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges

Biting forces are transmitted to the jaw bone by the roots of teeth. This stimulates the bone and keeps it healthy. As teeth are lost, the bone in that area does not receive adequate stimulation and becomes weaker and gets gradually reduced. Placement of implants allows adequate stimulation of the surrounding bone and hence leads to a healthier bone environment.

How long do implant procedures take?

Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges

The time to place implants can range from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the type of implant procedure necessary. The teeth can be fixed over the implants either immediately or after a few months as the case demands and allows.

Why are implants costly?

Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges

Implants are cost-effective. Most implants are imported and their advantages far outweigh the initial investment in the long term, as compared to loose removable dentures. Long term health with natural esthetics and function are provided with implants.

Are implants successful?

Missing teeth can be replaced by dentures or bridges

Treatment with dental implants is highly successful and very predictable. However, as with all dental procedures, adequate hygiene and maintenance has to be observed to ensure long term success.