Dental implants are normally the best way to replace teeth that are missing, or beyond repair. Made of titanium, they are inserted into the bone, and once in place they are used to provide a stable support onto which to mount replacement teeth.
Why choose Dental Implants?
A dental implant is the gold standard in replacing a missing tooth. It is the closest thing to the original tooth in sensation and function. Implants can provide a long term solution to your dental problems, often lasting a lifetime. Not having all of your teeth can really lower your self-esteem and confidence. Tooth loss can also affect how well you chew, and what foods you are able to eat, as well as changing your bite (the way your teeth come together) which can lead to problems with your jaw. Implants, just like natural teeth, allow you to eat all the foods you like, and are easy to keep clean and floss. They can be placed without impacting other healthy teeth, unlike certain bridges. They are also fixed in place, and aesthetically are more pleasing than dentures.
What happens during implant surgery?
Implants are placed into the bone with a small surgical procedure. This is usually easier than having tooth removed and if you are a nervous patient, it may be done under sedation to minimize stress. The implant is allowed heal and fuse with the bone for a period of time (8-12 weeks) to produce a stable anchor for a crown (artificial tooth) to be placed and the implant restored.
Advantages of dental implants
- Excellent appearance
- High success rate (95% of implants still function well after 20 years)
- Conservative treatment – no damage to adjacent teeth
- Feel like your own teeth
- Never decay
- Restore proper chewing and full strength of your bite
Are there any disadvantages?
- Higher cost than alternative treatments to replace missing teeth
- Requires one or more small surgical procedures
- Longer treatment time
- Sometimes can be difficult to control the shape of the gum around the implant, particularly when replacing a single front tooth.
If you think that Dental Implants might be an option for you, call us today on 091 525797 to schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Shaughnessy in order to assess eligibility and discuss treatment options.