Dental implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. They act as an anchor for a false tooth or a set of false teeth. Implants have been in use for many years, they are effective, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth. After a thorough evaluation your dentist surgically prepares your jaw and makes your prosthesis (substitute teeth).

Titanium fixtures (like screws) are inserted surgically into the jawbone. The operation is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and lasts for approximately one hour. In the course of healing the titanium fixtures take firm root in the jawbone. Healing times vary depending on upper or lower jaw bone.

The abutment is the titanium link between the fixtures and the prosthetic superstructure (or denture). This operation is shorter than the installing the anchors and lasts about half an hour. After a short period of healing, lasting about a week, the surgical treatment is complete.

Once they are in place, the fixtures and abutments together provide a supporting post. Everything is now ready for the next stage, the task of constructing your new teeth - the prosthetic treatment. Implants can be used for a single tooth (as shown above) or used in tandem to support several adjoining teeth or an entire denture.

The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic so you will feel no pain during the operations. After the anesthetic starts to wear off, you may feel some pain and discomfort but it is important to note that the fixtures do not touch the sensitive nerves.

Remember that your attention to oral hygiene helps determine the success of your implants.