What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium, which is a metal that the body easily accepts.  The dental implant is inserted into the bone of the jaw, and over time, the jawbone intregrates with the implant surface, firmly anchoring it.

dental implant, abutment and crown

How do dental implants work?
Dental implants act as artificial roots. They are surgically placed into your jaw, and are the closest substitute to natural teeth in form and function. Once a dental implant is firmly integrated into your jaw, it can be used to support single crowns, bridges and dentures. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth, dental implants may be an option for you.

What is the implant procedure?
The first step in the process is the development of an individual personal treatment plan.
Next, the implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from 3 to 6 months, possbily  8 months if bone grafting (sinus lift) is required.

• Improved appearance: dental implants look and feel like your own teeth
• Improved speech: dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort: because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating: dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem: dental implants can give you back your smile, and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health: dental implants does not require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does.
• Durability: implants are very durable and will last many years.

How successful are dental implants?
At our dental clinic, according to our statistics of last year, dental implants have a success rate of 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

What other complications could there be?

For implant surgery to be successful, there must be sufficient bone into which the implant is inserted.  If there is not sufficient bone, then various bone grating prodecures are available which are performed by our oral surgeons on site.  More info on bone grafting on the next page

CROWNS

Why is a dental crown necessary?

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
• To cover a dental implant

What types of dental crowns  are available?

• Metal crown
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
• Porcelain-fused-to-gold crown
• All resin crown
• All ceramic crown
• Zirconium crown

What steps are involved in preparing a tooth for a crown?
Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires two visits - the first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, the second visit involves placement of the permanent crown.

How should I care for my temporary dental crown?

• Avoid sticky, chewy foods (for example, chewing gum, caramel), which have the potential of grabbing and pulling off the crown.
• Minimize use of the side of your mouth with the temporary crown. Shift the bulk of your chewing to the other side of your mouth.
• Avoid chewing hard foods (such as raw vegetables), which could dislodge or break the crown.
• Slide flossing material out-rather than lifting out-when cleaning your teeth. Lifting the floss out, as you normally would, might pull off the temporary crown.

How long do dental crowns last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).
Does a crowned tooth require any special care?
While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.

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