Dental implants are one of the most exciting things to have happened to the Dental Profession over the last 25 years. When I was studying at Dental School, I went on an elective study abroad to Japan, and did a project on their studies into dental implants. Indeed King’s College Dental Hospital in 1986, where I trained, were at that time starting to place titanium dental implants invented by Brannemark.
I have chosen to use Nobel Biocare’s titanium dental implants, because they have the longest research history and track record. These implants are among the most expensive on the market, but are definitely the implants that I would want to have placed in my mouth after all my studies. There are many brands of implants on the market that are cheaper but it never pays to compromise on cost.
All those years ago Professor Brannemark discovered that pure titanium is biocompatible, that is bone and connective tissue actually join onto the surface of a prepared titanium surface and treats it as body tissue!
In the surgery, under local anaesthetic we prepare a ‘socket’ in the bone and shape it to receive the titanium ‘root analogue’. This is usually buried under the gum for at least three months and then later exposed once more and a healing connector placed and the gum replaced around it. After a short time a crown can be placed on the implant and “hey presto” you have a fully functioning ‘new tooth’!
Do you have a question?
If you have a question regarding our Cosmetic Dental Treatmensts ask Dr Martin Jest directly. Simply fill in the form at the side and we will get back to you as soon as possible.