Dental Implants

When we talk of single tooth replacement, keep in mind that more than just the implant is required. Your newly restored tooth consists of three parts – the titanium implant; the abutment, which connects the implant to the crown through the gums; and then the restoration or crown. In some cases, instead of an artificial tooth, an implant can be fitted with special clips or attachments (similar to press-studs) to replace multiple teeth or hold a denture. Success rates for dental implants are high, at around 95%.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?
You might benefit from implants if you:

• Are missing one or more natural teeth
• Find wearing dentures uncomfortable
• Have teeth are irreparably damaged and must be replaced
• Have a restricted or compromised diet as you find eating foods difficult without natural teeth
• Have advanced gum disease
• Do not want neighbouring teeth moving into the area where there is tooth loss
• Are worried that tooth loss may change your facial appearance

What are the benefits of dental implants?
Implants are a superior option over dentures or bridgework as they:

• Are a permanent and fixed solution
• Feel and look like natural teeth
• Allow you to eat and function as if you had normal teeth
• Are more comfortable than dentures
• Do not require cutting and reshaping of neighbouring healthy teeth
• Usually do not require separate care routines or special cleaning products, as with denture or bridges
• Promote easier oral hygiene practices

What are my options?

Single Tooth Implant
A dental implant and crown is the preferred solution if you have lost or about to lose one of your natural teeth. Dental implants are small titanium screws which are inserted below the gums, into the jawbone. They act as an artificial tooth root, adhering to your jawbone to provide a firm foundation for your new tooth replacement. They offer many benefits – comfortable, long-lasting, life-like appearance and also help to keep your neighbouring teeth aligned and untouched.

Dental Implant Bridge
If you are missing multiple teeth, it is likely that you will not need one implant per tooth. An implant-supported bridge or a dental implant bridge may be a suitable treatment option for you if you are missing multiple neighbouring teeth. With an implant-supported bridge, two or more dental implants will act as pylons to suspend a bridge consisting of crowns and pontics.

When replacing multiple teeth, an implant-supported bridge will eliminate the need for a removable partial denture or long-span conventional tooth bridges, providing a predictable, highly aesthetic and functional alternative.

Complete Full-Arch Teeth Replacement
If you have severely, irreparable, damaged teeth or are missing all your teeth, you will benefit significantly from full-arch replacement. Depending on your circumstances, various treatment options are available where the implants act as foundations to hold several replacement teeth. Generally, there are 3 main options:

1. Implant-supported fixed prosthesis
An implant-supported fixed prosthesis or a dental implant bridge may be a suitable treatment option if you require complete teeth replacement. With an implant-supported bridge, four (All-On-4) or more dental implants are strategically placed to act as pylons to support a full set of replacement teeth. An implant-supported bridge is permanently fixed inside the mouth and cannot be removed by yourself. The fixed implant-supported bridge provides superior comfort, aesthetics and function boosting your self-confidence. It’s just like having your own teeth again!

2. Implant-retained overdenture
An implant-retained overdenture is a denture that is attached to dental implants via locators or press-studs. Implant overdentures provide improved stability and retention over conventional dentures facilitating better speaking and chewing ability. It is a stable and cost-effective solution for those without teeth especially existing removable complete denture patients.

3. Implant-supported bar overdenture
An implant-supported bar overdenture is a denture that is attached to and supported by a metal bar linking the dental implants. Not only does this treatment option offer superior stability and retention over the implant-retained overdenture, but also improved support providing remarkable bite forces and comfort. It is the preferred solution for patients who are looking for a removable yet secure teeth replacement.