At Tracey Bell (multiple locations), a dental implant is one of the most predictable ways to replace anything from one tooth, to a whole mouth.
With decades of research behind us, dental implants has changed the way we practice dentistry at Tracey Bell, & throughout the world. An implant can be thought of as a metal root, or a metal bolt, which is attached to a naturally coloured crown.
A dental implant is commonly used to replace a single tooth. This is extremely beneficial to patients who have a space and intact healthy teeth on either side. To replace the space by a traditional bridge, this would involve cutting down the healthy teeth for crowns. If these teeth are heavily filled, then a bridge is a good option. A ceramic crown is placed on top of the implant to give the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
When a patient has no tooth left on one side, a traditional bridge is impossible as it needs teeth on both sides. Previously a denture would be the only option. Implants allow this space to be filled, and a ceramic bridge placed. Patients with lower dentures especially can greatly improve their ability to chew by implants holding the denture in place. The implants have small attachments which connect to the denture, making it much easier to wear and to chew.
The dental implant is placed into the bone in a usually simple and routine surgical procedure. The dental implant is made of medical grade titanium. Over the three to six months the implant will bond to the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is healed and integrated, usually at six months, the restoration of the implant can occur.
The procedure and process of dental implant technology is constantly improving reducing the treatment times.Patient selection is very important, not everyone is suitable for a dental implant.
Sometimes, chronic medical conditions will make a patient unsuitable, or there is simply no bone to place the implant into. However, with proper treatment planning and case selection, success rates over 95 percent are achieved.
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