What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that fuses with the surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration.
After the implant is placed, a prosthetic tooth (such as a crown, bridge, or denture) is attached to it to create a functional and natural-looking replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth.
Why are Implants popular?
Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for tooth loss, as they offer several advantages over traditional tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. They are more stable and long-lasting, and they help to preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss. Additionally, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and can improve speech and chewing ability.
How long does treatment last?
The length of dental implant treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s individual needs and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, dental implant treatment can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete.
Here is a rough timeline of the dental implant treatment process:
Consultation and planning: During the initial consultation, your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health and determine whether dental implants are the right option for you. They will also create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Tooth extraction (if necessary): If you need a tooth extraction before the implant can be placed, this step will need to be completed first. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Implant placement: The actual implant placement procedure typically takes 1-2 hours per implant. Afterward, you will need to wait several months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Abutment placement: Once the implant has fused with your jawbone, your dentist will place an abutment, which is a connector that attaches the implant to the replacement tooth.
Crown placement: Finally, your dentist will place the replacement tooth (crown) on top of the abutment. This can typically be done in one visit and usually takes around 1-2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to have an implant?
The length of dental implant treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s individual needs and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, dental implant treatment can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete.
Is it painful?
Getting a dental implant is a surgical procedure, so it is common to experience some discomfort during and after the procedure. However, the level of pain and discomfort varies from person to person and depends on various factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the skill of the dentist or oral surgeon, and the amount of preparation and aftercare taken. During the procedure, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so the patient should not feel any pain during the surgery. However, some people may experience some pressure or discomfort during the procedure. After the surgery, some level of pain, swelling, and bruising is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication if necessary. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help manage any discomfort and prevent infection. Overall, getting dental implants is generally well-tolerated by most patients and the discomfort is usually manageable with proper aftercare. Our dentists will discuss any concerns or questions you may have before the procedure.
How do I know if I am suitable?
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, but there are situations where they may not be the best option. Here are some cases where dental implants may not be an option: 1. Insufficient Jawbone: In order for dental implants to be successful, there must be enough jawbone to support the implant. If a patient has lost bone mass in their jaw due to gum disease, injury, or other causes, they may not have enough bone to support an implant. In this case, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the jawbone before the implant can be placed. 2. Chronic Health Issues: Certain chronic health issues, such as diabetes or immune disorders, can make it difficult for the body to heal after surgery. Patients with these conditions may not be good candidates for dental implants, as the risk of implant failure is higher. 3. Pregnancy: Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid non-emergency dental procedures, as the stress on the body can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus. Dental implants may need to be delayed until after the baby is born. 4. Age: Older adults may not be good candidates for dental implants due to decreased bone density, which can make it difficult for the implant to fuse properly with the jawbone. 5. Smoking: Smoking can have a negative impact on oral health and can increase the risk of implant failure. Patients who smoke may not be good candidates for dental implants unless they are willing to quit smoking or reduce their smoking habits significantly. In cases where dental implants are not an option, our dentists will discuss other tooth replacement options with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
How long do they last?
Dental implants can last a very long time, potentially for a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Studies have shown that the success rate of dental implants after 10 years is over 90%.
Can dental implants fail?
Dental implants can fail for various reasons, including: 1. Poor oral hygiene: Failure to maintain good oral hygiene can cause bacterial infections, leading to the failure of the implant. 2. Inadequate bone quality or quantity: If the jawbone is not dense enough or does not have enough volume to support the implant, it may fail to integrate with the bone. 3. Poor surgical technique: Incorrect implant placement or improper preparation of the implant site can cause the implant to fail. 4. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, can increase the risk of implant failure. 5. Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and blood flow, leading to implant failure. 6. Grinding or clenching of teeth: Excessive pressure on the implant due to grinding or clenching can cause the implant to fail. 7. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to the implant material. 8. Implant overload: Overloading the implant by placing too much pressure on it before it has fully integrated with the bone can cause it to fail. It is important to work closely with your dentist or oral surgeon to minimise these risk factors and increase the success rate of your dental implant. All our surgeons are highly experienced, highly competent practitioners who will guide you through the process.
Will dental implants stop bone loss?
Dental implants can help to stop or prevent bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone tissue begins to deteriorate over time because it is no longer being stimulated by the tooth root. This can lead to a sunken-in appearance of the face and other dental problems. Dental implants are designed to replace the missing tooth root and stimulate the bone tissue in a similar way to natural teeth. The titanium implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. This provides a stable foundation for the artificial tooth and also helps to maintain the strength and density of the jawbone. By preserving the jawbone, dental implants can help to prevent further tooth loss and other dental problems. It is important to note that the success of a dental implant in stopping bone loss depends on various factors, such as the patient’s overall oral health and their adherence to good oral hygiene practices.
