Dental Implants
Dental implant is today’s treatment of choice for missing teeth. Your decision to replace missing teeth with dental implants is an excellent investment for your oral health and appearance. They can improve your health-related quality of life and give you the confidence to achieve a more natural smile.
Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution to replacing tooth loss. They can be used to replace both single and multiple teeth and can also be used to anchor dentures and improve their stability.
We assess each person’s general health and suitability for implants and recommend which implant is best suited for your needs.
A dental implant is a small post-like part which is inserted in the jaw bone in place of the missing tooth root. Implants are made of medical-grade pure titanium (the most commonly used) or ceramic zirconia. With Ceramic Implants, you have a tooth coloured and metal-free alternative which acts and looks like a natural and healthy tooth. These materials are used as they are so compatible and bond biologically and strongly to the living bone tissue.
These techniques may range from replacing one missing tooth to replacing every tooth in the upper and lower jaws. Without interfering with your speech ability, eating and general comfort, dental implants will offer you the security to achieve that perfect smile.
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What are dental implants?Dental implants are sophisticated screws or posts that are placed in the jaw bone and rest under the gum for 3 – 6 months. During this time they actually fuse to the jawbone and become osseo (bone) integrated; they form a biologic union with bone After the appropriate healing time, we uncover the implants and use them to replace one or more missing teeth by making a crown (or bridge or overdenture) for you.
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How long have implants been used in dentistry?Dental implants have been available and studied for over 50 years. There are significant differences, however, between the various types of implants that have been used to replace missing teeth. These differences are important since they are directly related to the implants success rates. The implants currently in use today, OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANTS, were originally developed in Sweden by Dr. P.I. Branemark., a Swedish Orthopaedist in 1965. They have been used worldwide.
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What are implants made of?Implants are most commonly made of commercially and medically pure Titanium. This is the same metal that has been successfully used in hip/knee implants for many years. It is inert and is not known to cause any type of rejection phenomenon. Ceramic implants are made of zirconium dioxide (or zirconia). It is completely non-reactive, non-allergenic, and bio-inert. Ask us which is more suitable for you in your particular circumstance and treatment outcome.
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How complicated is the surgery?Implant surgery is done in either one or two stages depending on the situation. The first stage involves the placement of the implants into the available jawbone until it becomes osseo-integrated. This is most commonly done with just local anaesthesia (sedation can also be arranged so you don’t remember anything). Every attempt is made to ensure success. The room is set up like an operating room, the equipment thoroughly sterilised and the most modern techniques utilised. If a 2nd stage is required, this involves the uncovering of the implants after they have integrated ( fused ). This can be accomplished with minor gum surgery or with a dental laser and is a relatively minor procedure. In both instances, minimal postoperative discomfort is noticed. You will be given the appropriate analgesics (and antibiotics if needed) just as a precaution. Very definitive postoperative instructions will be given to you at the time of surgery. If you follow the guidelines, everything should proceed very smoothly.
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If I lose several teeth, do they each have to be replaced with a separate implant?"No. Although implants simulate the roots of teeth, biomechanically one implant can be used to replace one or more teeth. This will depend upon the mechanical requirements of your situation. At your consultation your dentist will discuss the various treatment alternatives and the type and number of implants that are needed in order to fulfil our treatment objectives.
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What types of restorations can be placed on implants?The answer to this question depends upon your treatment objectives. This can vary from single teeth replacement to full ceramic bridges to implant supported dentures. We are now finally able to replace single or multiple missing teeth returning the dentition to a biologically healthy, stable, functional and aesthetic state.
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Will I be able to chew and function normally?Yes. Once your implants have integrated, you will be able to function normally without any unusual sensations. Your chewing ability will really depend upon the type of prosthesis you have chosen.
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How long is the entire implant process?Dental implants take approximately 3-4 months to integrate. Once integrated, it takes several visits to several months to complete the restoration depending upon the complexity. The whole procedure will take approximately 6 months, but can vary from person to person.
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How long will dental implants last?Dental implants have been used in dentistry for 40 years. Research has shown that 90% of dental implants can expect to last for 25-30 years if excellent oral hygiene is maintained.
We hope that this brief explanation will answer some of your questions regarding implant dentistry. We will be happy to discuss any of these questions with you at your consultation.
*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you may seek an opinion from another appropriately qualified health care practitioner.
