Dental Implants

Dental implants have been heralded as the nearest thing to your own teeth and they are a solution to a wide range of traditional and cosmetic dental issues.

That said some patients may have concerns about the procedure.

In this article, we look at the five most common questions.

What are dental implants exactly?

The implant itself is only part of the whole procedure and it consists of a titanium screw that is affixed into the jaw in place of the tooth root.

It is threaded and “screwed” into the bone where it also fuses with it over time.

These implants are designed to then accommodate a post which will, in turn, hold the replacement tooth (or teeth) in position.

Are they a suitable tooth replacement for me?

Most patients are suitable for dental implants so long as their gums are healthy and the jawbone isn’t unduly narrow.

Even in cases where there is a narrowing of the jaw, there is still the option of a bone graft.

Is it a difficult or complex procedure?

After an initial consultation and X-rays to ascertain the suitability of the jaw a further appointment is needed to prepare the jaw and fit the implant.

A healing time of four to six months follows before an impression of the existing teeth is made.

Fitting the new tooth or teeth then only takes a few minutes.

Are all dental implants the same?

There are two types of dental implants; the most common one discussed in this article is surgically screwed into the jaw. Another type can be affixed into the gum and rest on the surface of the jawbone.

Are there likely to be any problems with dental implants?

Done correctly by a qualified dental surgeon, dental implants are a highly successful tooth replacement option. As with any procedure, there is always a slight risk of complications or other issues.

Damage, pain to the gums or teeth along with the risk of infection are all possible risks to consider.

Finding out more

If you want to know more about dental implants and your suitability for them feel free to contact one of the expert dentists here at Currey and Jorgensen Dentistry.