Dental Implants /Oral Implants
The loss of teeth for one or another reason can occur. Missing teeth result in negative confidence and reduced oral function. Every missing tooth you have increases your chances for further decay, infection and additional, future missing teeth. With the advent of dental Implants, a single missing tooth to a full arch of missing teeth can be restored through implant dentistry. Dental Implants are synthetic root-like fixtures that are surgically placed in either jaw bone to provide anchor as roots for future tooth/teeth replacement.Implants are made primarily of Titanium, newer materials are also in the fold like zirconia and other ceramic materials. Because Titanium is bio-compatible, in most cases implants are not rejected by our bodies, rather an interesting phenomenon takes place. Bone (jaw-bone) tightly wraps around the implant in what is known as osseointegration. The bond is very strong and allows for the loading of the implant with a a single crown, bridge or denture restoration in a fashion like a natural tooth.
How Dental Implants Work?
First, the implant or fixture, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into your jaw. Over the next two to six months, as already been mentioned the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement (plastic denture or "stick on pontic") can be worn over the implant site.
Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach an extension.Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension piece attached. Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you and attached to a small metal post, called an abutment. The attachment can be screwed on or stuck on. Restoration of your smile will bring with it renewed confidence and ability to chew and speak. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.
Every case is different, and some of these steps can be combined when conditions permit. We will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
Often, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach an extension.Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
There are some implant systems (one-stage) that do not require this second step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension piece attached. Finally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you and attached to a small metal post, called an abutment. The attachment can be screwed on or stuck on. Restoration of your smile will bring with it renewed confidence and ability to chew and speak. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.
Every case is different, and some of these steps can be combined when conditions permit. We will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
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Full Mouth Rehabilitation :Whilst its an unkind and quite stubborn fact; tooth loss is extremely common among adults, especially as we age.
Typically each jaw arch has 16 teeth; and when all these are lost does one need as many dental implants to replace the missing teeth in the arch? Thankfully No! You guessed right about the number 4. Can just four implants replace all of the teeth on the top or the bottom of your mouth? Thanks to advances in dental implant technology, that answer is a rapturous YES!. In 1998 Dr. Paulo Malo successfully treated the first patient with the All-on-4® treatment concept. Since then hundreds of thousands of patients have been treated with this concept.The All-on-4® treatment concept is a cost effective solution for full-arch (whole jaw with missing or hopeless teeth) treatment using tilted implants. |
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Dental Implants - Are they for you?
Dr. Zengeni continues to both surgically place and restore dental implants in his practice in Bulawayo, and other centres within the SADC region. He will be happy to talk with you about dental implants and how they might work for you.