SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANTS
A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options.
In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health and structure of neighboring teeth.
Advantages of a single implant tooth includes:
- looks like a natural tooth
- fixed in the jaw, no need to remove and not mobile like dentures
- no hooks on nearby teeth
- no need to cut nearby teeth like for a dental bridge
- brushes and flosses like normal teeth
- will not decay like natural teeth
Disadvantages of a single implant tooth includes:
- is more expensive than dentures and dental bridges (not always)
- gum/bone disease can still occur around an implant
- implant components can still chip or break if overloaded (e.g. grinding/clenching, trauma)
- still needs to be checked and cleaned by qualified professionals on a regular basis (e.g. yearly)
The process of having a single implant generally consists of several steps over a 3-6 month period as described below:
1. Consultation + x-ray assessment of the potential implant site - all associated procedures and risks will be discussed including a printed quote covering all costs involved.
2. Implant surgery (may include additional procedures including bone grafting or sinus lift) - usually done in a pain-free manner under local anaesthetic in the dental chair.
3. Healing period of 3-6 months - time needed for implant to integrate into the jaw bone before it can be used for function. We will schedule review appointments during this time to check the healing process.
4. Implant tooth fabrication - implant crown will be custom made by our local certified dental laboratory to ensure the correct colour and shape is achieved.
5. Maintenance and follow-ups - implants should be reviewed at least on a yearly basis along with the rest of the mouth at routine dental checkups.
SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANTS
A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options.
In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health and structure of neighboring teeth.
Advantages of a single implant tooth includes:
- looks like a natural tooth
- fixed in the jaw, no need to remove and not mobile like dentures
- no hooks on nearby teeth
- no need to cut nearby teeth like for a dental bridge
- brushes and flosses like normal teeth
- will not decay like natural teeth
Disadvantages of a single implant tooth includes:
- is more expensive than dentures and dental bridges (not always)
- gum/bone disease can still occur around an implant
- implant components can still chip or break if overloaded (e.g. grinding/clenching, trauma)
- still needs to be checked and cleaned by qualified professionals on a regular basis (e.g. yearly)
The process of having a single implant generally consists of several steps over a 3-6 month period as described below:
1. Consultation + x-ray assessment of the potential implant site - all associated procedures and risks will be discussed including a printed quote covering all costs involved.
2. Implant surgery (may include additional procedures including bone grafting or sinus lift) - usually done in a pain-free manner under local anaesthetic in the dental chair.
3. Healing period of 3-6 months - time needed for implant to integrate into the jaw bone before it can be used for function. We will schedule review appointments during this time to check the healing process.
4. Implant tooth fabrication - implant crown will be custom made by our local certified dental laboratory to ensure the correct colour and shape is achieved.
5. Maintenance and follow-ups - implants should be reviewed at least on a yearly basis along with the rest of the mouth at routine dental checkups.
