Dental Implants

Implants are done by a specialist Implantologist, who - aided by x-rays - begins by carefully planning the treatment. After administering anaesthesia, the Implantologist inserts a titanium screw into the patient’s jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The gum is then closed by stitches and the area left to heal until he jawbone is firmly united with the implant - a process which takes between three and six months. During the healing time, a temporary replacement tooth can be used to cover the space between the remaining teeth. When the bone has fused with the screw, a permanent replacement tooth is attached to the screw. The work is now complete, and the patient can enjoy a new tooth which looks, feels and performs just like a natural one.

 

Facts

• The traditional method of replacing missing teeth has been to use a bridge (artificial teeth supported by a crown on each side), or dentures.
• Dental implants were first introduced into Europe in the mid 1960s and have been growing in popularity ever since.
• Dental implants provide the most effective way to replace missing teeth.