Dental Implants are artificial titanium screws which take the place of the missing tooth's root. They can either be used on their own or in a combination with natural teeth to provide fixed teeth.

They can be placed in the upper and lower jaws and after an initial healing period of between six weeks to six months, are then able to support crowns and fixed bridgework.

Temporary replacement teeth are constructed to enable all patients to avoid having visible gaps while their implants are healing. This can either be in the forms of dentures, removable bridges or cemented temporary crowns.

In certain cases no healing period is necessary. In edentulous patients, implants can be used to support a special type of denture or fixed bridgework.

The importance of regular examinations and hygiene visits cannot be emphasized enough. Both are necessary to maintain good oral fitness for both routine and complex treatments. Crown and bridgework needs to be checked to ensure that all cement seals are good and are not leaking. Implants need regular monitoring to pick up early signs of bone loss, which may compromise their long-term success.