Before the development of dental implants, the only option for missing teeth was a denture or a bridge. An implant is fixed directly into the jaw bone, so there’s no loss of structure to the two natural teeth on either side of the gap, as occurs when securing a dental bridge. Dental implants look, feel and function, just like natural teeth.
An implant is made of two main components; A screw which is fixed into the jaw bone to act as the tooth’s root, and a crown which is fixed to the screw.
The process:
- Initial consultation with dentist: Preliminary assessment for suitability, quote for implant retained crown (designed and fitted by dentist at later appointments), referral to specialist Implantologist.
- First appointment with Implantologist: CT scan for final assessment of suitability, quote for surgical implanting and discussion about any other requirements.
- Second appointment with Implantologist: Surgical implantation of screw and placement of healing cap.
- Third appointment with Implantologist: Final stability test, and referral back to our dentist.
- First appointment with dentist: Taking of impression, designing the implant retained crown, taking photographs, selecting shade and biocompatible materials. Details sent to our laboratory technician for expert crafting.
- Second appointment with dentist: Fitting the implant retained crown to the screw.
Note: Zirconium is the most biocompatible option for an implant, although in some cases a titanium screw might be necessary, i.e., zirconium can’t be used for back teeth.
Implants aren’t suitable when advanced gum disease is present.