Implants.
Implants have revolutionised dentistry in the last thirty years.
A missing tooth can now be replaced by a titanium implant.
This is a surgical procedure which involves raising a small gum flap, carefully drilling a precise hole in the bone called an osteotomy, and tapping or screwing the implant into position.
The implant is then covered up by the gum flap and left alone for three months to heal and integrate into the bone of the jaw.
This process is called osseo-integration and is the biological miracle which makes implants possible. After the healing and integration phase, the implant is uncovered and a special attachment is connected to it called a healing abutment. The implant is now ready for phase two of the process which is to make a crown that fits onto the implant. Impressions are sent to the laboratory and a crown is made up.
This crown is then attached to the implant which completes the process. Implants have a very high success rate of 95%. Occasionally osseo-integration fails to take place but this is a rare outcome. The key to success in implant therapy is a consultation and detailed assessment. This involves clinical examination, X-rays and usually also 3D scans.
Occasionally grafting of an implant site is required to increase the volume of tissue to optimise the successful placement of an implant. It is common for a patient to be referred for an implant to the surgeon who will then refer the patient back for crown placement.
All of the above is only the briefest description of implantology with many variations possible. Your own custom made treatment plan will be carefully worked out for your before any treatment takes place here in The Harmony Institute.