What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is typically a small
screw shaped attachment usually made from titanium. It is inserted
within the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Once osseointegration (when
the bone attaches firmly to the implant) has occurred, a replacement
tooth can be secured to the top of the implant. This new tooth
can look, feel and perform just like a natural tooth. It is also
possible to use multiple implants to support a denture or bridge.
What Are The Benefits Of Implants?
- Implant secured or stabilised replacement teeth
are more comfortable than conventional dentures because there is
no slipping or movement. This eliminates some of the key
worries of dentures and improves self confidence.
- Dental implants are the alternative to bridgework
for permanently replacing missing teeth, eliminating the need to
grind down healthy teeth.
- When teeth are missing the surrounding bone
begins to shrink. Dental implants can help to maintain the
shape and structure of the jaw bone
What Is Involved In The Implant Process?
The implant process normally involves
several steps that take place over a period of time from three to nine
months. Although there are various implant treatment methods, a
typical process often includes:
- Assessment Planning – At
this initial consultation, x-rays and preliminary models may be
taken, and then a written plan will be produced which will detail
the sequence of treatment and its cost.
- Implant Placement – A
relatively simple minor surgical procedure that is performed under
sterile conditions in the dental surgery under local anaesthesia,
and if indicated, supplemented by conscious sedation.
- Integration Period – Although
some implants can be loaded into function immediately or soon after
surgery, it is more usual that a period of three months or more
be allowed for the implant to fully integrate before loading. Your
own denture or a simple adhesive bridge can be worn during the
healing process.
- The Restorative Phase – Once
integrated, the implants may need to be uncovered and can be brought
into function with a variety of restorations. The replacement
teeth are constructed by a specialist dental laboratory working
closely with the dentist.
- Maintenance – To
maintain the health of the soft tissue, bone levels, and the integrity
of the restoration, the patient must clean thoroughly around the
implants as instructed by the dentist, and should regularly attend
for reviews.
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Q Are implants safe?
A Implants are a well-established,
tried-and-tested treatment. 90 per cent of modern implants last
for at least 15 years.
Q I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have implants?
A Yes. You can
have any number of teeth replaced with implants – from one single
tooth to a complete set.
Q Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?
A 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.
Q Do implants hurt?
A 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.
Q Can I have the new teeth straight away?
A No. The implants
need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been placed. This
takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. 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
you can wear them throughout the healing period once they have been adjusted
after the surgery.
Q How long does treatment take?
A It takes about 12
months from the initial assessment to the time when the artificial teeth
or dentures are finally attached to the implants. However, if only
the lower jaw is involved then it may only take around 5 months.
A lot depends on how complicated your
treatment is. Your dentist will be able to give you a timetable
once the surgery has been done.
Q Are the teeth difficult to clean?
A Cleaning around
the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning
natural teeth. However, there may be areas that give you problems
and you’ll be shown methods to help.
Q If I had gum disease when I had my own teeth, will I get it with
the teeth attached to the implants?
A Yes, if you don’t
care for them well enough. If you keep them clean, and don’t
smoke, then you should not have any problems.
Q Can I take the teeth out if they are fixed to implants?
A 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.
Q Do the implants show?
A Your dentist will
make sure that the implants won’t show during all normal movements
of the mouth and lips. You will need to be able to see them, so
that you can clean them properly.
Q Do I have an implant for each missing tooth?
A No, unless you’re
only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, five or six implants
are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually
support two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants
may be used.
Q What if I get hit in the face?
A Implants and the
teeth they support can be damaged by an accident in the same way that
natural teeth can. However, if the false teeth are damaged and
the remnants are left in the bone then they may be more difficult to
remove than natural teeth would be. After healing, new false teeth
can then be placed alongside the fragments.
Q What happens if the implant does not bond (integrate) with the bone?
A 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 ‘taken’.
Q Is the treatment expensive?
A Unfortunately, yes. However,
in many situations, the cost of the treatment is only a little more than
the cost of more conventional treatment with crowns and bridges.
There are advantages to it, too. An
implant to replace a single tooth avoids the need to cut down the teeth
either side for crowns to support a bridge. Normal dentures often
mean you can’t eat or speak well, due to the dentures moving about. But
teeth attached to an implant don’t cause this problem.
Q Where do I get this treatment?
A Talk to your dentist,
so you can be referred to a specialist for assessment and treatment. Your
dentist may already carry out some or all of this type of treatment and
will give you the advice you need.
Remember to ask exactly what treatment
is proposed, what experience the dentist has in this work, the total
cost of the treatment and what the alternatives are.
If you are unhappy with any of the
answers then do ask for a second opinion. You will be spending
a lot of time, effort and money so you must be sure that you know what
you are getting at the end of treatment. |
