Implants are specially made posts that replace the roots of teeth that are missing and are used to support a new crown, fixed bridge or denture. It is made of titanium, a strong and lightweight material which has been shown to be compatible with the body and safe for use.

What are the advantages over conventional replacements?

The conventional methods of replacing missing teeth are Bridges or Dentures.

Bridges usually involve sticking false teeth onto our existing teeth. This may involve filing down healthy teeth to act as retainers which may compromise the health of these teeth. Bridges can also only be provided when there are sufficient strong remaining teeth.

Dentures are teeth attached to a plastic or metal plate. They can often be cumbersome as they have to be taken in and out every day and for cleaning. They may not always retain in place well if the shape of the gums and bone in the mouth is not appropriate.

Though bridges and dentures can serve us satisfactorily, Implants provide better support and usually results in more comfortable and stable replacement teeth. It provides better chewing efficiency and allows us to have permanent fixed teeth without trimming our own natural teeth for support, or having to remove the teeth every day. Implants also slow down the shrinkage of our jawbone which occurs as a result of tooth loss.

Are implants dangerous to health?

The materials used chiefly titanium is almost never rejected by the body. There has also never been a report of it being the cause of cancer or any life-threatening disease.