Dental Implants

Unfortunately losing teeth is very common, usually from a number of reasons such as:

  • Gum disease
  • Old age
  • An Accident
  • Decay

Regardless of the reason, they should be replaced for two reasons: to restore a full set of teeth to rebuild confidence as well as for functional reasons (chewing etc).

Usually a bridge or a denture is the popular choice for replacement of a tooth or a number of teeth, however with time, dental implants are becoming the favoured option for restoring the missing teeth as they are more long term than the other options and prevent the increase of bone loss and therefore protecting and preserving the health of tooth tissue nearby.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a substitute for the natural tooth and is attached into a pre-drilled socket in the jawbone to help strengthen and support the bridge, crown or lock a denture firmly in position.

A dental implant refers to a metal rod made of titanium that is fixed to your jawbone. It is main use is to prop up one or more fake teeth. Together, the fake teeth, usually a bridge, crown or denture, as well the rods that support them are referred to as ‘implants’.

The purpose and concept of a dental implant is to create a tightly and secure connection between the outer layer of the implant and the surrounding bone tissue. By creating a close connection between the two, this allows them to fuse together creating stability for the new tooth to be fitted.

Are implants safe?

Yes, over ninety percent of successful implants have approximately over a 15-year lifeline.

How many teeth are dental implants designed for?

Typically, a dental implant is suitable for one crown fitting, however if there are a number of teeth missing, not all the teeth may require implants, as one implant can support a number of teeth. For more than one tooth to support with one implant, a denture or a bridge is used.

The number of implants used depends on the bone tissue volume in the areas required replacing.

Mini implants can be used to secure dentures in position, however it is strongly advised to get a full examination to establish what treatment is best for the teeth’s condition.

If for any reason a large number of teeth, over ten, are required to be replaced, then a number of implants may be required to obtain a better and more secure result. The number of implants needed depends on the individual case.

Who is not suitable for implants?

There are a number of individuals who maybe rejected for getting implants fitted or the treatment may fail as they may fall under the following reasons:

  • Bruxism: This is when a person grinds their teeth.
  • Heavy smoker: this seriously slows down the healing process and may cause an infection due to the contents of a cigarette.
  • Excessive alcohol intake: This can hinder with the healing process of the implant.
  • Gum disease: An implant cannot be carried out until all of the gum disease has cleared out; this is so that the chance of a long-term success increases. Gum disease is linked to major bone loss, which will affect the success of an implant.
  • A person undergoing radiation treatment.
  • Use of steroids.

What happens if there isn’t enough bone for the implant?

Firstly a dentist will find out how much bone there is surrounding the area by carrying out an x-ray and /or CT scan; this allows the dentist to assess the density and volume of the bones tissue.

If for any reason a person does not have enough bone structure in the relevant area, there are two paths a dentist will chose from before an implant is carried out:

  1. Grafting: this is when the dentist will use bone from another place and use it in the jawbone for the implant to secure the area. This is taken from the person’s own body, commonly from the chin, the hip or the lower jaw. The reason why the dentist would prefer to use the patient’s own bone tissue is so that the healing process is faster and also using your own bone is more feasible and reliable. Nevertheless there is a substitute that can be used as an alternative to own bone, this is artificial and acts like bone tissue.
  2. Sinus lift: This is relevant when a tooth is replaced at the back of the upper jaw. A sinus lift is required when there is not enough bone in the upper area of the mouth for an implant to be securely position. The bone used is either from the person’s body or from a cadaver, which is known as ‘allogeneic bone’. In order to make enough room for the bone grafting it is usually required to get the sinus membrane lifted.

How long is the lifespan of an implant?

Like natural teeth, implants are still just as vulnerable to damage if an individual’s oral hygiene is poor. The implanted area is also not immune from gum disease and its damaging result. The lifespan of the implant will depend on the individual and how well they look after their teeth.

Does the implant hurt?

The entire procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so no pain will be felt during the treatment. After a week, some pain may be felt during the healing process of the gums tissues and the stitches.

The implant procedure

  • Before anything can begin, it’s important that the dentist gives a detailed examination to really understand the condition of the teeth and to begin to decide the relevant steps needed to complete the treatment. The examination also allows the dentist to see if there is anything preventing the implant from going ahead, such as an infection or gum disease. If there are any problems that prevent the implant from going ahead, then they will require the issues to be resolved before anything can be furthered.
  • An X-ray and CT scan are carried out in the targeted areas to make sure that the gums and teeth are strong enough and does not lack in any bone tissue.
  • The treatment is carried under local anaesthetic; this is allocated in the areas that will have the implants placed in.
  • Once the area is numb, the dentist will make a cut in the gums, which is then raised to expose the area that the implant will be fitted.
  • The dentist will then drill a hole, sized to fit the implant through the jawbone.
  • The dentist then securely fits the implant.
  • Once the implant is positioned correctly and the dentist is satisfied, they will then stitch the gum back in to position.
  • Finally the dentist securely attaches the permanent crown onto the implant.

Some patients may lack in bone tissue. The missing bone tissue will need to be replaced using other bone. This is done using bone grafting or using a mini implant.

If the permanent restoration cannot be fitted due to bone grafting, the gum is lifted once the gums have healed from the grafting to get the procedure done. The dentist is likely to place a temporary crown to avoid any additional pressure on the area.

In these cases, another visit will be due in a few weeks, as the gum has to heal again before anything else can be done. In this visit the dentist will then remove the temporary crown and fit the official one to the implant.

The advantages of an implant:

  • Implants restores proper chewing and biting functions so you can enjoy foods that were previously a hassle or tricky to eat.
  • Implants improve a person’s speech. As they are securely placed it will allow you to feel comfortable and confident in talking without limitations.
  • A higher level of confidence. A person feels more confident knowing there is no longer a gap in their teeth.
  • No more movement. There is no need to grow any concerns of other teeth from moving or dentures from falling out during conversation.
  • If relevant, you get to get rid of any annoying bonding agent.
  • Looks and feels like a tooth. A person gains the closest thing possible to getting the look, function and feel of their natural teeth, making it easier to adjust to.
  • No need to tamper with other teeth. A person does not have to shape any surrounding teeth to cater to the implant.
  • Gaining a better aesthetics. A person no longer has to worry about their teeth not looking natural. Allowing them to smile and laugh freely as their implants will blend in with the natural teeth perfectly.
  • Dental implants are clinically proven with a success rate in of 90%+.
  • Reduces bone loss. By placing the implant where the missing teeth were stimulates the bone surrounding the implant to grow. It also helps the bone to produce as well as prevent any additional bone loss.
  • Improves oral hygiene. In contrast to bridges and dentures you have to take extra care of your implant, therefore extra attention is given to your teeth by flossing, brushing and regular checkups, giving your teeth the best treatment as possible.