A dental implant can be used to replace a missing tooth. The result looks natural and it feels the same as your own teeth.
A dental implant can be used to replace a missing tooth. The result looks natural and it feels the same as your own teeth.
A dental implant, also known as an artificial root, is one way to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. The implant is a small screw made of titanium that replaces the missing tooth root. The implant is inserted into the jawbone in a minor surgical procedure, after which it is usually allowed to ossify for 3–6 months. After this, an actual, visible tooth called a crown is prepared and installed onto the implant. Dental implants can also be used to improve the retention of total prostheses.
Dental implant treatment is suitable for almost everyone who is missing a tooth or teeth. Before implant treatment, the mouth and teeth should be healthy and the patient should practice good oral hygiene. As smoking impairs oral health and the prognosis of implant treatment, implant treatment is not always possible for smokers. If you are trying to quit smoking, your dentist can help you.
The duration of implant treatment varies according to the individual situation. At its shortest, the treatment lasts about 4 months. If there is not enough bone in the area of the missing tooth or the gum needs to be adjusted to achieve a good, aesthetic result, the treatment will take longer and will require careful planning and often the expertise of a specialised dentist. If necessary, we can prepare a temporary tooth to replace a missing incisor, for example, for the duration of the treatment.
An implant tooth looks and feels like a real tooth. Just like your own teeth, implant teeth require regular maintenance and good oral hygiene. With proper care, implant teeth can last a lifetime.
A dentist may determine the need for implant treatment during a dental examination or other appointment, such as tooth extraction. You can also have an implant consultation, which is free of charge at some of our practices.
The mouth should be healthy and appropriately cared for before implant treatment. Therefore, the treatment begins with an examination and treatment of the mouth and teeth. In addition to an examination by a dentist, various X-rays are needed, depending on your individual situation.
Self-care is very important for the success of implant treatment. You will receive personal instructions for self-care from your dentist or dental hygienist.
Installing an implant is a quick, easy and painless procedure. The gum is surgically opened and an artificial root made of titanium is screwed into place in the jaw bone under local anaesthesia. The healing process is usually quick and unnoticeable. Pain and mild swelling may occur for a few days. If necessary, you will be prescribed effective painkillers and antibiotic treatment. You are given personal instructions for home care.
The ossification of the implant usually takes 3–6 months, after which an implant crown, in other words a visible tooth, is installed onto the implant. Before the permanent tooth is prepared, the correct position and ossification of the dental implant is confirmed by X-ray. For the manufacture of the implant crown, we prepare an impression of your teeth so that the crown will fit your mouth and occlusion just right. The color of the tooth is also determined. If you are planning to whiten your teeth, we recommend doing so before this appointment so that the colour of the future implant tooth matches the colour of the rest of the teeth. The individual tooth, or implant crown, is manufactured in a dental laboratory and attached to the implant at a separate appointment.
Regular dental examinations and maintenance treatment with a dental hygienist are important for implant and oral health. Good oral hygiene, in other words self-care, is also essential.
We will help you find the best possible products and ways to maintain good oral hygiene. Although implant teeth cannot develop cavities, the gum tissue and periodontium around it can become inflamed just like with your own teeth. The balance of the occlusion is also important and is assessed during visits to the dentist. If necessary, an occlusal splint can be prepared for you to protect the implant tooth.
Book an appointment for implant treatment if you are missing one or more teeth that you want to replace with a solid solution or if you have problems with the retention of your total prosthesis.
Have you recently had a dental examination? When starting implant treatment, the mouth should be free of inflammation and properly treated, and the patient should practice good oral hygiene.
Treatment can also be started by booking an appointment for an implant consultation. With some dentists, the consultation is free of charge, while a consultation performed by specialised dentists is often subject to a fee. Not all appointments can be booked online; you can also book appointments from our customer service by calling 010 400 3400.
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