Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Teeth have two parts – the one we see in the mouth known as the crown, and the rest is under the gum called the root. Unlike many dental restorations, implants replace the whole tooth.
When a tooth is lost, we can implant new roots usually made from titanium that can be used to support crowns, bridges, or even dentures. The options available to you will depend on the number of missing teeth, how much bone support is available, and your overall dental health.
The Implant Process
Tooth removal
Ideally the tooth is removed with minimal trauma to aid healing and retention of bone
Healing
Usually a period of healing is required prior to implant placement
Implant Placement
An implant is carefully placed into the bone, this sometimes requires a bone graft
Further Healing
Another small period of healing (the bone around the implant needs to heal close to its surface)
Healing Abutment
Placed with the implant, or a few weeks later, this stands proud of the gum and allows the gum around the implant to heal
Impressions
A couple of weeks later an impression of the implant is taken
Restoration
A specialised lab make the new crown (or bridge) and this is fitted a few weeks later
FAQs
Are implants available on the NHS?
Only in extreme circumstances and based on individual circumstances. For further information please discuss this matter with your dentist.
Can I have implants if I smoke?
Smoking can have an adverse effect on the success of implants, therefore we advise all our patients to give up smoking prior to implants.
How do I know if I’m suitable?
Any missing tooth could be considered for an implant but not every space or every patient will be suitable. You may have several factors that complicate things like smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, gum disease and certain medical problems. The space needs a healthy amount of bone and gum tissue (although this can be improved) and to be in a safe area for treatment.
Can I do anything to help my suitability?
Stability of your health and mouth are key. If there are any medical problems you suffer with then we (and your doctor) will try and help you control these. In the mouth we want to work in areas without infection, gum disease or excessive wear and tear. If you’re not there yet then we can work with you to help you improve your oral health.
How long will it take?
This varies greatly from case to case with the simplest taking a few weeks and the most complex taking several months. This time might vary depending on the age and health of the patient and the quantity and quality of bone available.
How long do implants last?
The key to the implants lasting is looking after them – it is not fit and forget!
Ensure you look after them at home and that your dentist and hygienist
regularly help you to maintain them. It’s wrong to say they’ll last forever only because they are a man made replacement (much like a hip replacement is) but if looked after they can last for a long time. At 10 years, 95% of implants placed should be functioning with no problems.
How many teeth can be replaced by implants?
A single implant can replace a missing tooth and hold a new crown in its
place. If you are missing more than one tooth then either several separate implant crowns could be used or fewer implants linked together by a bridge (literally teeth connected together that bridge the gap between the implants). If you are missing a complete set of teeth then 2-4 implants will support a clip in denture or 4-6 will support a bridge.
There are times when we might need to use more implants than this for
example if they are subjected to a lot of stress (tooth grinding) or if there is a medical or dental reason that we might expect our implants to need to survive in a harsh environment.