A dental implant is a false tooth with a difference, it will last you a lifetime, is replaceable, won’t give you tooth ache or bother you in general. Once fitted an implanted false tooth will become part of your natural teeth and you’ll soon forget you even have one. The implant was designed in the 1960s after tests and research in the U.K. and Sweden revealed a natural process called Osseointergration. The most popular implant amongst dentists are the Endosteal Implants, they are the most successful ones used in the U.K. Europe and America. These particular implants can facilitate a single artificial tooth or several. The dentist will start the treatment, which will take several months to complete, by carrying out a series of tests, these will include digital photos, x-rays and measurements for the new tooth to made from. A colour coding will also be done to match the new teeth in colour to the existing ones. Patients will need to have a wide, healthy and strong jaw for the dentist implant to take, from the test results the dental surgeon will be able to determine if the patient qualifies, don`t worry too much very few don’t. That done, the next stage will take place in the dental surgery, the surgeon will cut into the gum line and slip the implant under the gum, this is then either screwed down with self tapping screws or by drilling holes in the jaw bone and inserting and gluing the cylinder attached to an adapted plate. It is then stitched up and left to heal. This can take three to six months and that’s when the Osseointergration takes place and the bone fuses with the implant, making the two units into one. Once the process is complete the next stage is to fit the plate with the abutments, these are studs that will support the actual tooth or teeth. The teeth are now ready to be made and are sculptured by an orthodontist to look like the original lost teeth, in colour and shape. These are then slid on the abutments and glued into place. The patient will need to get used to their new teeth, and their chewing routine will be adapted to use them properly. The after care isn’t rocket science either, just normal brushing and flossing is all that is required. Your dentist will remove any tartar on your half yearly visits.