Dental implants are utilised when tooth loss has resulted in gaps appearing in between teeth and can be viewed as being replacement roots to which, cosmetic teeth can be fixed. They are also important in that they underpin and shore up neighboring teeth.
The main types of dental implant are endosteal where the implant (looks like a small screw) is screwed into the jaw bone and the other is subperiosteal where the implants are on a framework that is fitted onto the jawbone under the gums.
Subperiosteal are placed upon the jaw under the gums whereas Endosteal implants are screwed directly into the jaw – it would be dependent upon the density of bone of your jaw.
Whilst side effects are {extremely|very rare, they include damage to the jaw, nerves and neighboring teeth.
Yes, it is possible however you should be aware that it takes about four months for the gums to fully heal which involves shrinkage and correspondingly the implants will need to be adjusted.
Yes of course and just as with real teeth they have to be correctly cleaned otherwise it can lead to plaque and infection as well as gum disease.
It is not any sorer than having a tooth removed which obviously depends upon your pain tolerance and the type/amount of anesthetic used.
Normally not because it needs a specialist to be in attendance but it may be a chargeable service provided by your dentist.
If you are replacing a single tooth then the gap can be bridged by crowning the teeth either side of the missing tooth.
This is where all of the teeth top and or bottom are replaced by a complete arch bridge supported by 4 implants (can be 6).