Dental implants are a common solution to tooth loss giving patients their confidence back to pursue a normal life. Dental implants can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth and entire arches. Implant supported reconstruction differs from traditional crown and bridge work by not requiring preparation or removal of adjacent tooth structure to obtain retention. They work by direct engagement with the bone originally holding the tooth that was lost. This results in the forces of chewing, speaking and swallowing being transmitted into the native bone preventing its loss.
Dentures, partial and full can also utilize dental implants. In these cases implants will improve retention with the option in some patients of using a fixed solution meaning the prosthesis stays in permanently, others can be designed to be removed for comfort and hygiene purposes.
Dental implants require careful planning and co-ordination between your general dentist, prosthodontist, surgeon and frequently your GP. The cause for tooth loss must be carefully examined and mitigated to ensure the implant doesn’t follow the same fate. Once the risk to further tooth and implant loss is controlled, adequate bone must be present to engage the implant. This sometimes requires a bone graft placed prior to implant surgery being performed. Dr Moore can discuss these options with you further at the time of consultation.
