Dental Implants

What are Implants?

Dental implants are a secure, long term treatment for replacing damaged or missing teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that works like the root portion of a missing tooth which can be used to support crowns, dental bridges and dentures.

How do Implants support Dentures?

The implant is fitted into the jaw bone and provides support for a denture when two or more are used. They can be used in both the upper and lower jaw.

Implant retained dentures greatly improve your bite force and help you keep as much chewing efficiency as possible. Dental implants can be used for fixed or removable dentures.

Removable dentures

This type of implant retained denture can be removed from the mouth as components within the dentures provide the retention by clipping on and off an abutment attached to the head of the implant.

Fixed dentures

This type of denture is firmly attached to the dental implants. It is often known as a fixed bridge and can only be removed by a Dentist

The advantages

Dental implants have a range of benefits, which include better functioning for full denture wearers. Dental implants have been specially designed to blend in with the surrounding tissue and will actually prevent further loss of jawbone as well as improving the function of the dentures. The titanium material has been described as ‘biocompatible’, meaning it does not interfere with the surrounding tissue or cause inflammation or irritation. Dental implants support the dentures and hold them firmly in place. This improves the ability to chew, bite and speak more clearly. Implants make dentures more comfortable and will allow you to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Dentures provided by a Clinical Dental Technician that are retained by dental implants offer the following advantages:

• Restored chewing ability with greater enjoyment of food
• Improved taste and speech with less denture base
• A stable and secure fit of your denture to your gums
• A bite comparable to your own natural teeth
• Improved digestion and well being
• No pressure points or sore spots

Types of dental implants

Dental implants can be categorized in different ways such as type of connection on top of the head of the implant (internal/external hexagon, octagon, etc.), by their size and design (mini, narrow standard, or wide), by their surface texture and by the stages of surgery (single stage or two stage).

Implants are made of titanium which is precious metal with high strength and resistance to corrosion. It is proven to be completely biocompatible and material is capable of fusing with living bone in a process known as osseointegration. Where the jawbone is insufficient for the placement of dental implants the area may be enhanced with bone grafting materials to allow for their placement.

Often patients refer to implants as ‘denture implants’. This is understandable but the dentures and dental implants are separate and during the restorative phase attached to one another.

The attachment mechanisms for dentures come in two parts: a component that is screwed into the head of the implant and the retentive component that is seated inside the denture base.

Mini dental implants are also available offering a minimally invasive procedure with reduced surgery time immediately stabilising loose dentures. Mini implants are not considered as a permanent long term solution.

To find out more about Implant Retained Dentures see the drop down menu at the top of the page, or alternatively contact us using the details below to discuss your needs or to seek a free consultation.