Background On Dental Implants

Before the 20^th Century, a lost tooth was all but impossible to replace. The best options were dentures. But these were awkward, having to be taken out and reglued each day. At least they could look neat. By the late 20^th century we had dental bridges, where a false tooth was attached between two healthy teeth. But this relied on having some healthy teeth to start with and then having to permanently modify them to mount the artificial tooth. All these older techniques have been replaced by dental implants.

If a tooth is badly damaged it can be crowned. If a tooth is completely lost it can be replaced by an implant.

A crown replaces the outer surface of a tooth, with only the inner pulp and nerve being retained. This is a good option of the outer surface is badly decayed or damaged. It is also a good option if the tooth is misshapen. The replacement crown looks virtually like a natural tooth. After we have the operation the tooth will soon feel quite normal.

An implant looks quite like a crown, but it replaces the entire tooth, not just the outer surface. Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth, except that they will not feel hot and cold because the inner nerve is gone.

Dental Implants have two main sections. The inside is a vertical metal (titanium) post that is bonded to the jawbone. The outside is a realistic, artificial tooth. On older implants, this artificial tooth was made of porcelain. On newer implants, the tooth is made of Zirconia or Lithium Disilicate. The material used for the tooth depends on where the tooth is located. Back molars have a stronger material, which looks reasonably realistic. Front teeth use a highly realistic-looking material but are not quite as strong.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Look highly realistic, like natural teeth.
Function like natural teeth.
They should last for several decades, requiring no special maintenance.
Will not suffer decay, but still require brushing and flossing to prevent gum infections.
They will not require other teeth to be modified.
The titanium post bond to the jawbone at a molecular level, making a very strong connection.
They will prevent other teeth from moving, which is often a problem after teeth are lost.

Dental implants usually require three appointments. The post will be installed first, with the artificial tooth installed a couple of weeks later when this post has bonded to the jawbone.

Some more recent developments in technology mean that some implants can be done with two dental appointments. These will not have a metal post, but consist of one material for the whole implant tooth.

Looking for Dental Implants in Sydney?

Implants or crowns are the modern way to replace lost or damaged teeth. The results look natural and last for decades.

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