Dental Implants

You may have heard of implants. They have been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 45 years. Tens of thousands of grateful patients have benefited from the opportunity to obtain a replacement for lost teeth that restores their smile and confidence.

We use multiple implant brands that are selected based upon individual patient requirements. Implant treatments are applied in 2 sessions with a 2-4 months break between the 2 stages. ( depends on the bone quality and age of patient) Some alternatives have the advantage of shortening the period between the implant placement and making the prosthetics; within a month. Implants are manufactured in a manner that allows the implant to integrate totally with the patient’s bone similar to a natural tooth. During the second visit, a gingival form is applied and the prosthesis is prepared.

Implants are the modern way to replace missing teeth. The implant, which is made of titanium, is fitted in bone where the tooth root would normally be. When fully integrated to the bone, a post (or abutment) is attached to the implant and a crown, bridge or denture is then placed over the abutment to replace the missing tooth or teeth.

Dental implants are fitted by our Implantologist. Missing teeth often lose some of the surrounding soft tissue and bone. If this is a significant amount, soft tissue and/or bone grafting may also be required either at the same time as implant placement or beforehand. Grafting procedures are also carried by our implant specialists.

Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only option to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. People with chronic bruxism (teeth clenching) and diabetics are generally not favorable candidates. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.

Implants are so well-designed, they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.

 In general, good candidates who have dental implants can expect high success rates with the procedure.

The procedure can take several visits. During the first visit, an anchor is placed into the jawbone and the site is allowed to heal for several weeks or months. This gives your tissue time to grow around the anchor to more firmly hold it in place.

During a follow-up visit, an artificial, natural-looking tooth is fitted over the implanted anchor.

 

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium metal screw which is placed into the jawbone. It is used to support one or more false teeth. In practice, both the false teeth and their supporting rod are known as ‘implants’.

 

Are implants safe? How long will they last?

Implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. 90 per cent of modern implants last for at least 15 years.

 

I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have implants?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants – from one single tooth to a complete set.

 

Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to assess the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn’t healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first.

 

Do implants hurt?

Placing the implants requires a small operation. This can be carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation or with a general anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time, but you may feel some discomfort during the week following the surgery. This is usually due to having stitches in place, and the normal healing process.

 

How soon can I have the new teeth?

The implants need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been put in. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. Sometimes the implants may be stable enough when they are fitted for the artificial teeth to be attached much sooner than this.

If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then these can be worn throughout the healing period once they have been modified after the surgery.

 

Are the teeth difficult to clean?

Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be areas that cuold give you problems ,and you’ll be shown methods to help.

 

If I have an existing gum disease, will I still be able to get implants ?

Yes, if you take good care of them, clean them regularly, and don't smoke. Then you will not have any problems.

 

Can I take the teeth out if they are fixed to implants?

Most artificial teeth attached to implants can only be placed and removed by the dentist. However, if you have complete dentures fixed to the implants by bars, then you’ll be able to take them out for cleaning.

 

Do the implants show?

Your dentist will make sure that the implants won’t show during all normal movements of the mouth and lips. However, during normal cleaning, you can see them.

 

What happens if the implant does not bond (integrate) with the bone?

This happens very rarely. If the implant becomes loose during the healing period or just after, then it is easily removed and healing takes place in the normal way. Once the jaw has healed, another implant can be placed there. Or, the dentist can make a bridge, using the implanted false teeth that have been taken.