What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Titanium is used because bone bonds directly to it, a process called osseointegration. Once that bond has formed, a crown is attached and the tooth is restored in both function and appearance.
Who is a suitable candidate?
Any adult with healthy gums and enough jawbone can usually have an implant. Where bone has been lost following an extraction, grafting can often rebuild what is needed. Uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking and some medications slow healing, so your dentist will take a detailed medical history before proceeding.
How long does treatment take?
Placing the implant takes under an hour under local anaesthetic. The bone then needs three to six months to integrate before the permanent crown is fitted. A temporary tooth can be provided in the meantime, so you are never left with a visible gap.
Looking after an implant
Implants cannot decay, but the gum around them can become inflamed if plaque builds up. Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth daily and attend regular check-ups. Well-maintained implants routinely last twenty years or more.