DENTAL implants have been used to replace missing teeth since the mid-1960s. Around 27 million people in the UK have a missing tooth, meaning that more and more people are seeking to replace their teeth with dental implants.
Implants are used to support crowns replacing single missing teeth, bridges that restore a larger span of missing teeth, or even dentures. They are manufactured from titanium, a metal that is known to be compatible with body tissues and able to bond with bone.The success rate of dental implants has been reported in scientific literature as 98 per cent.
As well as fat bone, the type of gum around the implant is important too. Some people have a thin type of gum; however, implants favour a thick type of gum with lots of collagen fibres that hug the implant tight, creating a seal.
Importantly an implant needs to be placed so that it can function correctly when you chew and look as good as possible. It's a balance of placing just the right number of implants, depending on an individual's requirements. Your experienced implant dentist will discuss what's best for you.