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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
What are dental implants?
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Dr Frank Farrelly
Dentist
Principal Dentist at Darlinghurst Dental, a high quality, affordable practice located in the heart of Darlinghurst. A high emphasis on customer service and impeccable cross … View Profile
A dental implant is an artifical tooth support. If you lose a tooth, or are missing one, an implant is inserted into the bone in a minor surgery. It looks a little bit like a screw. The implant is made of titanium and your body is compatible with it, so it is not rejected (usually). It then fuses with the bone. Once fused it can support a new tooth crown on top which is made in a lab.
Other uses are placing a bridge or denture to support multiple teeth on more than one implant. Just like your normal teeth, the implant will need maintenance and good oral hygiene, but it can be like getting a whole new set of teeth.
Interestingly, the bone fusion was discovered by accident, but now benefits millions of people worldwide. The technology is not just used by dentists, but can be used to replace other organs such as an ear or nose which is lost or deformed.
This is a simplified answer, but more technical information is available from the other answers. Hope this helps.
Frank Farrelly
http://darlinghurstdental.com.au
30 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
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