Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root, usually made from titanium. There are many different implant systems available and when competently used they all deliver a highly reliable form of treatment. The main aim during the placement of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. Over time further growth of bone onto the implant surface enhances the stability of the implant. In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures.

For routine cases, from the time of implant placement to the time of placing the first tooth/teeth, treatment times can vary between six weeks and six months. The availability of better quality bone can be used to decrease treatment time, whilst more time and care must be taken with poorer bone, which can therefore extend treatment times beyond six months.

Once the implants and surrounding soft tissues are seen to be healthy and the new teeth comfortable and correctly adjusted, it is the quality of your personal attention to oral hygiene and willingness to attend regular maintenance reviews that will have most influence on how long they will last. When poorly cared for, implants will develop a covering of hard and soft deposits (calculus and plaque), which is very similar to that found on neglected natural teeth. Untreated, these deposits can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. It could probably be said that implants will last as long as natural teeth.

Most patients will be familiar with the dental anaesthetics used for routine dentistry and will know how effective they are. Implants are placed using the same anaesthesia. Depending upon the complexity of your case, the operation might take anything from 30 minutes for a single implant, to several hours for complex bone grafting and multiple implant placements. Since the surgery normally involves exposing the bone in the area where the implant and/or bone graft is to be placed you can expect some minor swelling and occasionally bruising afterwards. For most patients, any of the over-the­-counter/basic painkillers that you might take for a headache will be adequate for a few days. If you experience more discomfort than this, contact your treatment provider who can prescribe a stronger medication. Healing is generally straightforward and any stitches are removed a week to ten days later. During the first few days you should report any unexpected levels of pain or swelling so that they can be assessed. If in doubt always ask for advice, as early detection of a problem will often lead to a simpler solution. You may also be asked to take a course of antibiotics and to follow some simple procedures such as rinsing with salt water or an antiseptic mouth rinse. It is important that you carry out these instructions.

You will not be without teeth at any stage during your treatment. A provisional denture or bridge can be made for you whilst the implant integrates into the bone and the final restoration is fitted.

Modern materials and techniques give you an implant restoration that often is hard to tell apart from your natural teeth. The new tooth/ teeth will look and feel like your own tooth. This will improve your appearance, comfort and function.

Your new dental implant crown/ bridge will look and feel like natural teeth. You will have the confidence to smile and enjoy eating again all normal foods such as apples or steaks. Your natural adjacent teeth do not need to be altered in any way. Dental implants stop your gums and bone from shrinking reducing the ageing effect caused by tooth loss.

There is no upper age limit for having dental implants, providing that you are in good general health. You will need sufficient and good quality bone. If there is insufficient bone, we can add extra bone by grafting procedure.

Research from over three decades and over a million patients treated suggest that 95 to 98% of implant retained restorations remain in function for at least 5 years. With careful maintenance they can be a life long solution.

You must attend regular dental examinations with your own dentist and hygienist. We recommend that you see us once a year to check that your implant restoration is healthy and trouble free. Advice on care and maintenance and a discharge from care letter is provided at treatment completion.