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What are implants?

Implants are one way of replacing missing teeth.

A post is planted in the jaw bone to support a replacement tooth. This acts like the root of a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to support fixed bridges or dentures.

Implant treatment has two stages. First the implant is placed in the jaw. Then, when the jaw has healed, replacement teeth are attached to the implant.

What will my dentist do?

First, you should decide whether implants could be right for you. Ask your dentist about the stages of treatment, about who would be carrying out each stage and the timetable for completing treatment. Your own dentist might do the implant surgery or you might be referred to a specialist.

If you decide to go ahead, this is what will happen:

• Implants are put in the jaw with a local or general anhaesthetic
• The implant is screwed or pushed in and the gum is stitched so that it heals over the implant.
• Under the gum, the bone then grows round the implant to hold it firm. This takes several months

Implants usually have two sections - the post in the jaw and an extension that is added later when the post is secure. attaching the exension needs a small cut in the gum above the implant. The replacement teeth might be fixed permanently (like a crown or bridge) or attached in a way which lets you remove them for cleaning (like a denture).

Sometimes there will be a gap below the tooth so that the implant can be kept clean, but people won't see it.

What are the benefits?

• Some people can't use removable dentures however hard they try and however hard the dentist tries to make the dentures a good fit.
• Implants can be a last chance for eating and speaking properly and for improving appearance.
• Implants keep a denture very stable.
• People will not be able to see that your teeth are supported by implants.

Implants are not suitable for all patients.