The dental implant is a titanium screw that is inserted into the jaw, replacing the original root. Over time the titanium screw will fuse to your bone ensuring a solid foundation is achieved. This is completed with a new dental crown (tooth).
Multiple teeth can be replaced with single dental implants and is used in combination with a dental bridge or denture.
The success of the dental implant is dependent on the health of your bone. Factors are:
- Very healthy bone quality allows for the immediate loading of the dental implant and final dental crown (tooth).
- Good bone quality generally allows for the immediate loading of the dental implant with a temporary dental crown (tooth) placed. The titanium screw will require around 6 months to fuse to the bone and ensure a strong support foundation is achieved. At this stage the final dental crown (tooth) can be placed.
- Poor or limited bone quality will generally require a bone graft prior to the dental implant being inserted and will require around 6 months healing prior to the implant surgery.