Clinic Services & Dental Education
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About implants:
Implants are commonly made of titanium, a metal that is
well-tolerated by the body. Over time, the jawbone becomes firmly
united with the implant. A small attachment at the top of the
implant emerges through the gum. Crowns, bridges or dentures can
then be attached to the implant by screws or clips
Why have implants?
- Implants are an alternative to conventional bridges and partial dentures.
- If you find that your full dentures move around a lot, implants will help
to anchor the denture in place.
- When teeth are lost, the jawbone may start to shrink. Implants can help
slow this process down.
- Your dentist may recommend using implants to support a bridge rather than
cut into healthy teeth either side of a gap.
While increasingly popular, implants are not appropriate for everyone. You need to be
medically fit and have healthy gums and a sufficient thickness of jawbone.
What are the alternatives?
The alternatives to implants are dentures or bridges. On the other hand, you may choose
to simply accept the space where a tooth is missing.
A denture usually includes a metal and/or plastic base carrying plastic or porcelain
artificial teeth. It is a removable replacement for a few missing teeth (partial denture)
or a whole set of teeth (complete dentures). Dentures are very common but they can become
loose, making it difficult to eat and speak. One or more implants can be fitted to help
support and retain a denture.
A bridge consists of artificial teeth cemented onto adjacent natural teeth. When preparing
a conventional bridge, the dentist needs to shape the teeth either side of the gap so that
they will successfully hold the bridge. The bridge is placed over the gap and the teeth on
either side and then cemented into place.
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