Dental implants and general dental advice

Instant Dental Implants

There's been a tremendous shift away from dentures and bridges towards dental implants which are the most long term treatment, but the fear of complex surgery and long drawn out treatment has put some people off, not to mention the cost. This approach is remarkable in that it is placed without drilling the bone, and consequently you get a stable implant instantly in most cases.

As there are fewer visits, costs are around 20% less, but the major attraction is the lack of trauma, and the instant useability.

Techniques are designed to offer a less traumatic alternative to conventional methods, often reducing treatment time and cost. The implants are suitable for people who have lost teeth years ago and people who still have their teeth but need to have them removed. It is also an alternative to dentures and bridges - providing you with firm fixed teeth that don't have to be taken out.

Benefits of Instant Implants

Your overall quality of life will be enhanced with replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

The reason it is so important to replace the tooth root, as well as the visible part of the tooth (crown), is that natural tooth roots are embedded in the bone. This provides the stable foundation necessary to bite and chew. In essence, the bone holds the tooth roots in place - which, in turn, preserve the bone.

When teeth are missing, the bone that previously supported them melts away or deteriorates. However, replacing missing tooth roots with dental implants can preserve it. Since the bone forms a strong bond to the implants, they can serve the same functions as natural tooth roots: a strong foundation for biting and chewing, and stimulation for the bone to hold it in place.

The appearance of the smile is more natural and there is increased comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking and eating. If dentures are replaced with implant supported teeth, the changes can be even more significant - with the added ability to confidently eat all types of foods and the elimination of messy adhesive.

Preserves integrity of facial structures

By preventing the bone wastage that would normally occur with the loss of teeth, the facial structures remain intact. This is particularly important when all teeth are missing, as the lower third of the face collapses if the bone is not preserved through fixing implants.

Better health due to improved nutrition and proper digestion

People with dentures usually have problems eating certain foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, which can compromise their nutrition. Additionally, since it is difficult to chew properly with dentures, digestion is often compromised. These problems disappear with dental implants.

Adjacent teeth are not compromised to replace missing teeth

Tooth replacement with traditional tooth-supported bridges requires grinding down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth/teeth, so that the bridge can be cemented onto them. This tooth structure can never be replaced and the long-term health of these teeth is compromised.

Partial dentures have clasps that hook onto adjacent teeth, putting pressure on them as the partial rocks back and forth. Eventually these teeth can loosen and come out as a result of this pressure.

Replacing missing teeth with implant-supported crowns/bridges does not involve the adjacent natural teeth, so they are not compromised or damaged.

Convenience of hygiene

It is much easier to clean and care for an implant-supported crown, which can be cleaned like a natural tooth. In comparison, a tooth-supported bridge requires the use of a floss threader for proper cleaning. It is also easier to clean implant supported replacement teeth than a removable partial.

Elimination of denture adhesives

Since implant supported teeth are securely attached to the implants, there is no need for messy denture adhesives, which are often needed to keep dentures from falling out.

Increased stability and a sense of security that teeth will not fall out when eating, laughing or sneezing.

People who wear dentures often worry that their dentures will fall out when they laugh, sneeze and sometimes even when they eat. Since the bone bonds to the implants, replacement teeth have a stable foundation and are securely attached to the implants, so there is no fear that teeth will fall out.

Improved appearance

Since implants preserve bone, preventing deterioration of the facial structures, appearance is improved. Collapse of the lower one-third of the face caused by complete tooth loss can be visually corrected and the remaining bone reserved. The appearance of wrinkles around the mouth caused by posterior bite collapse, or complete facial structure collapse are virtually eliminated.

Your smile is improved when replacement teeth look more like natural teeth. Even when only one tooth is missing, long-term aesthetics are usually much better with an implant supported replacement tooth than with a traditional tooth supported bridge. This is particularly important in the front of your mouth, where preventing a visible bone defect is critical for a natural appearance.

Restored self-esteem and renewed self-confidence

Many of the people who now enjoy the benefits of implant supported replacement teeth state that their self-esteem and self-confidence have been restored as a result of improved appearance, function, comfort and health.

Improved ability to taste foods

Wearing an upper denture can prevent someone from really tasting food, as the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy the taste of foods.