Dental Implants - Replacing Several Teeth
Step 1
Some people lose more than one tooth typically in the back of the mouth. This is usually caused by gum disease (periodontitis) or by teeth cracking due to previous fillings, or failing conventional crown and bridgework due to recurrent decay.
Step 2
An appropriate number of dental implants are installed either for individual restoration or to support a dental implant bridge. This solution does not affect your own teeth. The bridge will typically function for many years, regardless of the condition of your existing teeth.
Step 3
The posts or abutments project through the gum and makes a link between the implants and your new teeth (prosthesis).
This procedure may require a local anaesthetic and again, is quite painless. Allow a period of about two weeks for healing and the surgical part of the procedure is complete.
Often it is possible for the abutment to be connected at the same time the implant is placed, thus negating the need for this second minor surgical procedure.
The next step is to fit a bridge on the abutments.
Step 4
The dental implant bridge is cemented or screwed on to the abutments and can typically withstand the strong chewing forces that occur in the back of the mouth. It feels and functions like natural teeth.
The Clinic