What are Dental Implants ?

A dental implant is simply an artificial tooth root. The implant is made of a biocompatible material, such as titanium, so it is well accepted by the body.  The implants are placed into the bone where teeth are missing. The bone then grows on to the implant surface creating a strong foundation for the implant crowns or implant bridgework.  Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or an entire set of teeth.

Image Guided Implant Surgery

Utilising the 3D image technology, implants can be placed more accurately than ever before, sometimes using keyhole techniques.  Using the 3D jaw images from a CT scan, combined with optical 3D scans of the teeth, implants can be planned digitally on computer models before treatment is even begun.  Optimal positioning of the implants can be achieved to produce even safer and more predictable treatment results.  Implants may even be placed using key hole surgery in some cases.

Overloading of Dental Implants

Overloading of dental implants is a major cause of implant failure.  The main reason that overloading can occur is that not enough dental implants have been placed to cope with your natural bite forces.  If too few implants have been placed the overly strong biting forces may result in breakage of the implants, or loss of bone around the implant and then failure.  Implant overloading can be avoided by good implant planning by a qualified implant dentist.