A dental implant is a small titanium screw, that replaces the root portion of a missing natural tooth before being covered with a crown. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, the dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a secure anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace either single teeth or all of your teeth in both the upper and lower jaw.
Dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry. They are the most advanced technological treatment option available. They offer permanent replacement to loose and missing teeth and can be a viable alternative to wearing dentures, rebuilding confidence with a functional and secure smile. They are a permanent and fixed solution for missing teeth, providing patients with the nearest possible alternative to their natural dentition.
Will dental implants work for me? If you are missing a tooth or teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will assess your suitability based on the amount of available bone. It might be that other approaches are recommended, such as a crown, a bridge or dentures.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
• Permanent – A secure and permanent solution to missing teeth normally lasting the lifetime of the owner
• Improved appearance – Dental implants can stop the process of jawbone shrinkage due to tooth loss where dentures or bridges cannot.
• Preserve natural teeth – With traditional bridges, adjacent teeth are normally ground down to provide anchors. Dental implants can eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth. Dental implants are a tried and tested method of tooth replacement
• They are the ideal choice for most people who are missing teeth
• Dental implants are the only way to preserve jaw bone which is otherwise lost over time
• Dental implants will help maintain your appearance as they stop facial collapse
• They do not damage neighbouring teeth unlike dentures or bridges can
The Process.
Initially a CT scan is carried out of your jaw to establish if you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone. If you do we can move onto the surgical stage.
Dr.Keenan will surgically place your implants before placing a protective cover over them. The initial implant normally takes approx. 45 minutes and is completed under local anesthetic. The implant integrates with the bone of your jaw over a period of three to six months, as the bone grows around the screw and holds it firmly in place. A crown is then placed over the implant to replace the original natural tooth. Dr.Keenan routinely extracts wisdom teeth and impacted teeth and places dental implants. Patients tell us that having teeth extracted is the harder procedure to have compared to getting dental implants placed, although many people would expect the opposite. With today’s technology and a lot of finesse both of these procedures are surprisingly easy to sit through and to heal comfortably after treatment.
If you are experiencing any difficulties please contact us in our Dublin dentist practice today at 01 668 3242.
