Benefits of Dental Implants?

“Why should I have a Dental Implant?”

Dental Implants are a great solution because they’re an independent structure and do not rely on any supporting teeth to replace what’s missing like bridges and partial dentures do.

Implant retained dentures are significantly more stable and omit the need for any adhesives, giving you more stable chewing function.

Additionally, dental implants preserve the jaw bone height which would otherwise resorb when a tooth is extracted, preserving also face height and therefore, a youthful appearance.

“What are the benefits of Dental Implants?”

• Dental Implants function in the same way as natural teeth
• There are no difficulties with eating or cleaning the teeth
• Healthy adjacent teeth do not have to be filed down to act as supports for the missing tooth or teeth
• Dental Implants maintain the bone height beneath the replaced tooth. The chewing forces that are transmitted through the implant to the bone stimulate the natural process of bone renewal
• Preserved bone height helps to maintain a good appearance, both of the restored teeth and of the face

“How are Dental Implants placed?”

Dental Implants are placed in a sterile environment, so as to reduce any introduction of bacteria to maximise the success rate. Dr Ruben Garcia uses a CBCT Scan to assess the surrounding bone to ensure the correct size, orientation and placement of the dental implant.

Dental Implants are small titanium screws that are gently screwed into a corresponding pilot hold that is prepared in your jaw bone. The routine surgery is done under local anaesthetic and you’re able to take yourself to and from the dental practice, though if you’re at all concerned you could opt to have it done under sedation. (There are no nerves in the jaw bone so implant surgery is usually just a bit boring for the patient as everything is done so accurately and gently).

The screw is left in the jaw bone, sometimes covered back over with gum and sometimes with a healing abutment. The abutment helps to form a cuff of gum that will sit neatly around the crown that’s placed on top of the implant – maximising aesthetics! The screw is not out under load immediately as it’s important to allow the jaw bone to fully adhere to the titanium screw (Osseointegration). This can take up to 12weeks.