Today a dental implant usually consists of a titanium screw that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth.

This threaded screw section has a uniquely roughened surface to encourage rapid bone formation so that the implant becomes fused to the jawbone, thus providing a solid anchor to support a replacement tooth.

A single implant can be used to replace a missing tooth, and multiple implants can support bridges or dentures where many teeth are missing.

In general implants are in 2 sections:

• The Fixture  which is made from Titanium, and is surgically inserted into the jaw bone.  This is allowed to heal for 3 – 6 months so that the bone cells fuse with the implant surface forming a rigid support upon which teeth can be permanently fastened.
• The Restoration  This can take many forms and may be a simple porcelain crown; or multiple teeth as in a bridge or an implant supported denture. A metal post is screwed into the body of the implant which supports  a tooth coloured ceramic restoration carefully designed to create the perfect smile. 

For those who have no natural teeth, a fixed bridge can be secured permanently to implants, returning the patient to full function, comfort and  confidence.