A natural tooth can be seen as existing of two parts. A root
(below the gum) and a crown (above the gum). Implants
are substitutes for natural teeth, replacing the root
of a natural tooth. They are today's best alternative
to your natural teeth. They offer you a permanent or
secure solution for replacing one or more teeth.
 They are made of biocompatible
materials, similar to that found in hip replacements and
other orthopaedic devices. The bone grows onto the implant
and holds the implant in place, which can then be used
to function as an anchor or support for traditional forms
of dentistry, such as crowns, bridges or dentures.
Implants, as we know
them today, have been in existence for at least twenty-five
years. For the last ten years, however, success rates are
consistently over 95% with proper personal and professional
care.
Initially, you might
feel dental implants are expensive. However, they represent
a more long-term and natural solution than cheaper treatment
alternatives, restoring your bite, your smile and your
confidence. Hence, there is a greater initial investment,
but they should last for years, particularly if you have
an "ideal" case and follow the advice
you are given by the dentist and hygienist.
The cost of each implant
case is different. Cost is a function of your particular
needs. After a complete examination, Andrew will be in
a position to more specifically determine your dental needs
and the best treatment alternative(s) for you. At that
point, you can specifically address the question of cost
and discuss the various financial arrangements that are
available to you.
Prior to the placement of the dental implants, an extensive
examination is carried out. The patients' oral and general
health are assessed, along with the quality and quantity
of the bone. This stage is crucial and represents the
best guide with which to assess the likely success of
treatment. Once the evaluation has been completed, a
full written treatment plan can be given.
The treatment is then
carried out and is in two phases.
Phase 1: Using very
accurate surgical techniques, an incision
is made in the gum tissues and implants placed into the
jawbone. The gum tissues are then closed
and the healing phase begins. This
may take anywhere from 2-6 months to
ensure a strong base. It is really
a simple procedure.
Phase 2: Creating
and fixing the new tooth or teeth to
the implant structure constitutes the
second and final phase. Implants can
replace a single tooth, several teeth
or all the teeth.
Usually, discomfort is not a problem. For the placement
of an implant(s), local anaesthetic is often adequate and
prevents any discomfort.
Recent advances by implant manufacturers are reducing the
time for initial implant procedures. Treatment for the
simple cases could take anywhere from 4-8 months, based
on where the implants are placed and the type of restoration
you desire. Do not compromise because your implants and
the new teeth that they support should last for years
Many patients will tell you that implants have not only
changed their smiles and their overall appearance, but
also even their lives. Some of the benefits of dental implants
are:
- Aesthetically, they look
like real teeth, helping you to "Smile
with Confidence".
- Functionally, dental implants
feel and act like real teeth.
- With implants, you can eat
and chew again without pain or irritation. Foods that
were forbidden are now back in the diet.
- Implants can
actually improve the taste of food. With less plastic
covering the roof of your mouth, you can enjoy natural
flavours and sensations again.
- Eat whatever you like! Implants improve your health
with the ability to chew a wider variety of foods.
- Express yourself clearly or simply be understood.
Implants increase the retention and stability of your
teeth.
- Implants eliminate the need for distasteful adhesives. There is no longer
a need to use "glue" when the denture is anchored
to implants.
- Lastly, implants can help maintain your bone structure and support the
facial tissues. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes "shrinkage" or
facial cosmetic changes.
Patients in their late teens through to late eighties can be suitable for treatment
with dental implants. They can have one missing tooth, several missing teeth
or be missing all of their teeth.
There are, however, certain conditions
that have to be met.
- The patients have to be in good health.
- There has to be an adequate amount of bone present.
- The bone has to be of adequate quality.
- If natural teeth are present, the gums around these
teeth have to be healthy.
- Patient
motivation is essential. Meticulous maintenance of oral
hygiene is necessary to keep the implants healthy and
effective.
Dental implants can be used in a
variety of ways to restore the dentition. These are as
follows:
- To replace a single missing tooth
- a crown is attached to the implant.
- To
replace more than one tooth - a bridge or a series of
crowns is attached to the implants.
- To replace all of
the teeth with a removable option - a denture is attached
to a metal component which is attached to the implants.
- To
replace all of the teeth with a non-removable option
- a bridge is attached to the implants.
Good oral hygiene is very important in the maintenance
of dental implants. It is important to carry out good
home care and to attend for regular professional cleaning
visits by the dental hygienist.
To help you care for your dental implants, my dental hygienists
will show you how to clean around them using a variety
of aids. They will also recommend a program of dental hygiene
visits; designed to suit your individual needs, for optimal
dental health of your new teeth.
If sufficient initial stability can be achieved at the
time of insertion of the implant, it is sometimes possible
to place a temporary restoration at the time of surgery,
or very shortly afterwards.
Another new development is the provisions
of "Same
Day Teeth". This is a procedure that provides
patients who have no teeth in the lower jaw with implants
and a denture on the day of the operation. There are however
a lot of preparatory stages required and so the treatment
actually takes longer than just one day.
 Both of these treatments are available
at Definitive Dentistry with Dr Andrew Prynne.
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