Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, though it also falls into the category of cosmetic dentistry as well.
Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.
Dental implants are natural-looking replacements for missing teeth that also provide the same function as your natural tooth root. They have also been used to anchor these other types of restorations for greater success and patient satisfaction.
Dental implants are titanium screws which are placed into the jaw bone. They form the foundation to support crowns, bridges or dentures.
Implants are well-established, tried-and-tested treatment and with regular care and maintenance can last a lifetime. Treatment time varies with the individual and a personal timetable of treatment is worked out very carefully before treatment starts.
Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth but oral hygiene needs to be excellent.
We will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Why should you consider dental implants?
If you have lost a tooth due to an accident or from periodontal disease, that one tooth can be replaced using a dental implant.
A dental implant is an excellent way of replacing a single tooth without the disadvantages of a fixed bridge or removable dentures. It is the ideal treatment for a missing tooth because it does not affect your adjacent teeth. That means no grinding or crowning of your natural teeth for bridges, and no clasps for removable partial dentures.
So, in brief, you can use dental implants to:
- To replace one or more teeth lost to an accident or due to tooth decay and periodontitis (gum disease) among other reasons.
- To provide support for a partial denture
- To increase the support and stability of full upper or lower denture
- To enhance chewing comfort
- To increase confidence while smiling, talking and eating
- To improve your overall psychological health
- To improve esthetic appearance and regain over all confidence
The dental implant procedure
Today's dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration.
Osseo integration is the process by which direct anchorage of a dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs. Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal, at which point your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. Once the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is done. If osseointegration does not occur, the implant will fail.
In two words
If you are missing a single tooth or mulitple teeth, dental implants are the way to go. They are the most natural looking way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants help maintain the integrity of the jawbone and prevent deterioration of the bone that can take place with missing teeth. It’s important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible for the full function of chewing and for a healthy, happy smile.
Advantages of Implant Dentistry
Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, an implant can serve as an anchor for a dental bridge or as a replacement for missing back teeth needed for a bridge. Implants can also be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.
Success Rates of Dental Implants
Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. There is no guarantee that an implant procedure will be successful, but studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. The success rate for upper jaw implants is slightly lower because the upper jaw (especially the posterior section) is less dense than the lower jaw, making successful implantation and osseointegration potentially more difficult to achieve. Lower posterior implantation has the highest success rate for all dental implants.
On the plus side, dental implants are not susceptible to the formation of cavities; still, poor oral hygiene can lead to the development of peri-implantitis around dental implants. This disease is tantamount to the development of periodontitis (severe gum disease) around a natural tooth.
CONTACT US
The Royal Artemis Medical Centre
Pavlou Crineou Str.
Pafos, Cyprus
Telephone +357 26961600
Fax +357 26963670
Email: royalc@cytanet.com.cy
