What are dental implants?
Anatomy
Modern-day implants are shaped like the root
of a tooth. The surface is usually roughened
to provide a greater surface area for bone-to-
implant contact and to enhance the bone-
forming ability of the cells.
The top of an implant provides a hole or cone
for the connection of the replacement tooth.
A range of implant lengths and diameters are
provided by manufacturers to accommodate
different anatomical requirements.
The implant usually connects to an
‘abutment’ that provides the interface for the
attachment of a crown, bridge or denture.
The crown may be directly screwed to the
implant or cemented to an abutment.
of a tooth. The surface is usually roughened
to provide a greater surface area for bone-to-
implant contact and to enhance the bone-
forming ability of the cells.
The top of an implant provides a hole or cone
for the connection of the replacement tooth.
A range of implant lengths and diameters are
provided by manufacturers to accommodate
different anatomical requirements.
The implant usually connects to an
‘abutment’ that provides the interface for the
attachment of a crown, bridge or denture.
The crown may be directly screwed to the
implant or cemented to an abutment.
How it’s done
Before any implant surgery is performed, the
implantologist will perform a thorough
examination taking into account functional and
aesthetic requirements. X-rays will be taken and
models made. Sometimes ‘dummy’ dentures
are constructed to act as a guide to the final
result and to help decide the best sites for
implant placement.
Most implant surgery is performed under local
anaesthetic and is neither painful nor
uncomfortable. In more complex cases or in
cases of multiple implants, sedation can be
provided to make the patient more at ease.
The procedure requires sterile conditions to
avoid contamination of the implant or
instruments during surgery.
Once the site is completely anaesthetised, an
incision is made and the gum is reflected to
expose the bone. A hole is gently and precisely
made in the bone to accommodate the implant
and the implant is firmly screwed into the hole.
Sometimes other instruments are used to
carefully ‘widen’ the hole instead of drilling.
Once the implant is placed, the gum is usually
placed back over the implant and the implant is
left for a period of up to three months to allow for
‘osseointegration’. Sometimes a special
component that extends through the gum
(healing abutment) can be immediately
attached to the implant, thus saving the need for
a second procedure to re-expose the implant.
implantologist will perform a thorough
examination taking into account functional and
aesthetic requirements. X-rays will be taken and
models made. Sometimes ‘dummy’ dentures
are constructed to act as a guide to the final
result and to help decide the best sites for
implant placement.
Most implant surgery is performed under local
anaesthetic and is neither painful nor
uncomfortable. In more complex cases or in
cases of multiple implants, sedation can be
provided to make the patient more at ease.
The procedure requires sterile conditions to
avoid contamination of the implant or
instruments during surgery.
Once the site is completely anaesthetised, an
incision is made and the gum is reflected to
expose the bone. A hole is gently and precisely
made in the bone to accommodate the implant
and the implant is firmly screwed into the hole.
Sometimes other instruments are used to
carefully ‘widen’ the hole instead of drilling.
Once the implant is placed, the gum is usually
placed back over the implant and the implant is
left for a period of up to three months to allow for
‘osseointegration’. Sometimes a special
component that extends through the gum
(healing abutment) can be immediately
attached to the implant, thus saving the need for
a second procedure to re-expose the implant.
Dental implants are titanium structures
placed in the bone of the jaws to provide
support and anchorage for (brand new)
prosthetic teeth. They can help replace
anything from a single missing tooth
to a full set.
The effect can be truly life enhancing,
replacing lost function, equilibrium and
social confidence by restoring and
rejuvenating your smile.
Oral health is restored by the
re-establishment of harmony
in the mouth.
placed in the bone of the jaws to provide
support and anchorage for (brand new)
prosthetic teeth. They can help replace
anything from a single missing tooth
to a full set.
The effect can be truly life enhancing,
replacing lost function, equilibrium and
social confidence by restoring and
rejuvenating your smile.
Oral health is restored by the
re-establishment of harmony
in the mouth.
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