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What are the advantages of implants?
The major benefit is that it stands alone and allows to maintain healthy and untouched the neighbouring teeth. This is especially important if the adjacent teeth are unfilled or have only small fillings.
Implants can also help to avoid the need for a removable denture which some people have trouble getting used to because of the bulk of denture material in the mouth. Implant supported dentures are much more stable. This makes eating and talking easier for those who find their conventional dentures move around or are loose.
I was told I haven't enough bone to place an implant. Is it true?
Nowadays bone grafting is routinely performed by a specialist. Prior to going ahead with implant treatment, an assessment of the bone quality and quantity will be performed. This will involve a clinical examination together with X-rays.
The advent of new biomaterials used to reconstruct bone has eliminated the need for autogenous (your own) bone. While most situations will be suitable for implants, there may be those where implants are not the best option for treatment and we will discuss the reasons for this.
What does the treatment involve?
Implant placement usually takes place under local anaesthesia in a specially equipped procedure room. A period of time, usually three months, is then needed to allow the implant to integrate with the bone. The implant is then uncovered and a crown, bridgework or denture is made up by the dental laboratory to attach to the implant. procedures or anxious patients.
Is the procedure painful?
An effective local anaesthetic is used before surgery so no discomfort is felt when implants are placed. Any mild discomfort which may be experienced after surgery can be controlled with conventional painkiller tablets. Treatment under intravenous sedation may be provided by our specialist anaesthetists for complex procedures or anxious patients.
Are implants expensive?
Treatment fees depend on several factors. Additional procedures might be required prior to implant placement in order to ensure there is adequate bone for the placement. Generally dental implants are slightly more expensive than the alternatives of bridgework or dentures, largely due to the cost of the materials used and the exacting nature of the treatment. In most of the cases, the advantages that implants offer render them the treatment of choice for the long term.
A detailed treatment plan with costs will be discussed at the consultation visit and a written fee estimate will be provided.
How long do implants last?
Implants have high success rates and there are reports assessing their performance over a period of more than 35 years. The most recent studies indicate that 90% of implants placed ten years ago are still functional today. However, implants may fracture or get infected exactly like a natural tooth, especially if not taken care of.
How do I take care of my implant crown?
Maintenance is crucial. We need to take care of our implants and crowns by visiting the hygienist at least 3 times a year as implants are susceptible to periodontal disease. Keeping everything clean is the key to a long term success.
I have been told I need an extraction and socket preservation. What is this?
Sometimes during treatment teeth are identified which require removal or extraction. The bone that holds the tooth in place is called the socket. It is often damaged by disease and or infection resulting in a jaw deformity when the tooth is extracted. Jaw deformities from extraction can usually be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. The tooth is removed and the socket is filled with bone powder or bone substitute powder. The socket is then covered with a biocompatible barrier to encourage your body to repair itself by regenerating lost bone and tissue. The bone is usually allowed to mature for a few months before dental implants are placed.
I have been told I need a sinus lift. What is this?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that elevates the inner lining of the maxillary sinus to create a space that can be filled with a biomaterial. The maxillary sinus is an empty space behind the cheek bones, approximately above the second premolar tooth and the molars.