A dental implant, to put it simply, is a device made of titanium that is implanted into the bone of the jaw. It acts as an anchor for new teeth and is an alternative to bridges or dentures.

How do I get one?

The procedure is a fairly lengthy one. First off your teeth and gums need to be clean and healthy and Cabinteely Dental Care, serving patients from Rathmichael, will need to check that the bones in your jaw are dense enough to accommodate the implant. A small hole is then drilled in the precise place where the implant will be (don’t worry, you will be under local anaesthetic at this point). The implant is fitted into the hole and the gum is stitched back over the area. The implant is then left to fuse with your jawbone, which can take anything from six weeks to six months. Dentures and bridges can be worn during this time, but care should be taken not to put too much pressure on the implant.

When enough time has passed, a temporary crown can be fitted to the implant for around four to six weeks. After this permanent tooth restorations can be attached.

What are the advantages?

The procedure may seem long and complicated, but there are many advantages.

The biggest benefit for most people is that these implants look and function like your natural teeth. Dentures can be painful and can sometimes come loose and often need to be refitted as the shape of your mouth changes. Implants can be treated like your ordinary teeth and require no extra care and after a while, people often forget that they are there as they feel so natural. Implants usually last up to thirty years and can even last a lifetime if treated properly.

The risk factors of this procedure are low, but as always you should consult your dentist before making any decisions.