Dental Implant Guide

A dental implant is a small screw or cylinder which looks like a thin metal rod. This acts as a replacement ‘root’ of a tooth and is able to support a single or several false teeth, known as ‘restorations’. These implants can fuse with the bone of the patient’s jaw via a healing process called ‘osseointegration’.

Once a suitable period of time has elapsed to allow healing, you will be ready for the placement of your replacement tooth/teeth or restoration.

The screw form of implant looks very similar to the screws used in normal, everyday activities. It is comprised of a main body and a ‘collar’ which sits at the top of the implant. There are several types of collar such as ‘external hex’, ‘internal hex’ and ‘internal taper’ which all allow the dentist to join the implant to a replacement tooth (or teeth).

There are many different brands of implant such as Nobel Biocare, Intra-Lock and Straumann. As with any industry, marketing plays a big part and all these brands have their advantages and disadvantages.

Some brands are long established such as Nobel Biocare who was the first to manufacture dental implants. Sterri-Oss is another established brand.

And then we have newcomers such as Intra-Lock. You will find that your dentist will have his or her favourite type of brand.

Implant treatment often involves crowns, bridges or dentures: these are used as replacements for missing teeth and behave in much the same way as natural teeth. Most people have heard of these dental items but are not always familiar with what they actually are..