Dental Implants

Some people have real difficulties with removable dentures. Implants can overcome these difficulties, in particular for eating and speaking properly and they may improve appearance. If a denture is necessary, implants can greatly improve stability. People will not be able to see that your teeth are supported by implants. Implants can ensure that healthy teeth need not be used as supports when bridging gaps. They can be used in place of bridges, for example when adjacent teeth may not be strong enough to support a bridge or if patients have spaced teeth.

Dental Implants are an extremely safe and efficient treatment method. There is extensive scientific research and evidence to support their safe use. Implants have been an accepted form of treatment in the mouth for over 3 decades.The materials used in implantology are proven and tested to be biocompatible with the human body. Successful implant therapy results in a well-integrated functioning tooth.

Your dentist will tell you about the stages of treatment, who would be carrying out each stage and the timetable for completing treatment. This is what will happen:

Bone is carefully exposed in the jaw where the tooth is missing. Then a channel is created and the implant is inserted within. This is usually done under a local anaesthetic, but sometimes sedation or a general anaesthetic is necessary. The gum is then secured over the implant and it’s left to heal for several months. This allows the bone and the implant to integrate and increase stability.

A second procedure is then planned, in which replacement teeth are mounted onto the implant. This requires a small incision the gum above the implant. Once the soft tissues have healed, the replacement teeth may be fixed permanently or attached in a way that lets you remove them for cleaning. The replacement teeth might be single or multiple, this is dependent on your individual needs.

You should discuss with your dentist whether implants would be right for you. Patients need to have healthy gums, and enough jawbone to take the implant that supports the replacement teeth although techniques are available to add additional bone if needed. They must also be prepared to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. Implants involve minor surgery over a period of several months. Recovery is often quick and uneventful as long as you follow the post operative instructions provided by your dentist.Implant patients need to be in good general health. Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis or chronic sinus problems, could interfere with healing and make implants more likely to fail. Make sure that you tell your dentist about any medicines that you take regularly, and about your smoking habits. Smoking may well shorten the life of your implant.

Successful implant therapy requires high levels of skill and training and the costs do reflect this. Expensive components are also required to minimize risks and improve success rates. The expense of treatment should be weighed up against the extra quality of life that implants can provide when compared to less expensive alternatives.Individual cases differ greatly, so much so that a one price fits all approach is not possible. Your dentist can give you an idea of what may be required and the associated costs based on similar procedures conducted in the past. We will always give you a written quotation once we have conducted a consultation and reviewed any necessary diagnostic tests that have been carried out.