DENTAL IMPLANTS

Implants are substitutes for lost teeth. In this procedure we need not cut down the teeth either side for crowns to support the bridge. Designed for toothless areas, this treatment involves implanting artificial dental roots made of titanium which is a special metal to the jaw bone for a natural feel as well as aesthetic satisfaction. This is safe and a better alternative to the existing bridge or denture. Placing an implant requires a small operation. It is carried out under local anesthesia, the same that is given for removal of teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant supported bridges or denture. They can also be used as anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement. The use of dental implants permits unidirectional tooth movement without reciprocal action. Implant supported denture and bridge This is performed when all teeth are absent. Implant supported denture is the permanent solution. It is fixed. There is no bone resorption. Gives a natural look. Taste sensations are not altered. When single tooth is missing

Time
It takes up to minimum of 3 months, as it is performed in two stages:-

FAQ'S

Would implants be right for me?
First, you should decide whether implants could be right for you. Contact us to arrange an implant consultation and discussion and we will let you know the treatment options.

Are implants safe.?
How long will they last? Implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. Generally we say implant would last for the lifetime.. But it also depends on your bone changes.

I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have implants?
Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants – from one single tooth to a complete set.

Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?
It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a special radiograph to assess the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn’t healthy enough, grafting or placing of bone may be required prior to placing implants in that area first.

Do implants hurt?
Placing the implants requires a small operation. This will be carried out under local anesthesia itself- the same that is given for removal of teeth. You will not feel any pain at the time, but you may feel some discomfort during the week following the surgery. This is usually due to having stitches in place, and the normal healing process which is relived by the medication prescribed.

Can I have the new teeth straight away?
No. The implants need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been placed. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then you can wear them throughout the healing period once they have been adjusted after the surgery.

How long does treatment take?
It takes up to 3 months from the initial assessment to the time when the artificial teeth or dentures are finally attached to the implants.
A lot depends on how complicated your treatment is. Your dentist will be able to give you a timetable once the surgery has been done. In the meantime however, immediate loading teeth or temporary crowns are placed.

Are the teeth difficult to clean?
Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, you’ll be shown methods to help keep your implant area clean and healthy.

If I had gum disease when I had my own teeth, will I get it with the teeth attached to the implants.?
Only if you don’t care for them well enough. If you keep them clean, then you should not have any problems.

Can I take the teeth out if they are fixed to implants?
Most artificial teeth attached to implants can only be placed and removed by the dentist. However, if you have complete dentures fixed to the implants by bars, then you’ll be able to take them out for cleaning.

Do I have an implant for each missing tooth.?
No, unless you’re only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, four to six implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants may be sufficient.

What happens if the implant does not bond (integrate) with the bone.?
This happens very rarely. If the implant becomes loose during the healing period or just after, then it is easily removed and healing takes place in the normal way. Once the jaw has healed, another implant can be placed there. Or, the dentist can make a bridge, using the implanted false teeth that have ‘taken’.

Is the treatment expensive.?
Unfortunately, yes. However, in many situations, the cost of the treatment is only a little more than the cost of more conventional treatment with crowns and bridges.
There are advantages to it, too. An implant to replace a single tooth avoids the need to cut down the teeth either side for crowns to support a bridge. Also the implants serve a lifetime and not only till your adjacent teeth remain healthy like in bridges. Moreover, with age as all other teeth are lost, the implants already present can be used to provide fixed complete dentures. Normal dentures often mean you can’t eat or speak well, due to the dentures moving about. But teeth attached to an implant don’t cause this problem. Also, the implants integrate into bone preventing bone loss unlike crowns and bridges, thus delaying the signs of aging.