Implants

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jawbone. It is used to support one or more false teeth.
In practice, both the false teeth and their supporting rod are known as ‘implants’.

Are implant safe? How long will they last?

Implant are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. 90 % of modern implants last for at least 15 years.

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 number of special tests to assess the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn’t healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first.

Do implant hurt?

Placing the implant requires a small operation. This can be carried out under local anaesthetic. 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.

Can I have new teeth straight away?

No. The implant need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been placed. This takes at least 2-3 months. 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 about 3-4 months. 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.

Are the teeth difficult to clean?

Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning  natural teeth. However, there may be areas that give you problems and you’ll be shown methods to help.

If I had gum disease when I had my own teeth, will I get it with the teeth attached to the implants?

Yes, if you don’t care for them well enough. If you keep them clean, and don’t smoke, 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 attachments, then you’ll be able to take them out for cleaning.

Do implants show?

Your dentist will make sure that the implants won’t show during all normal movements of the mouth and lips. You will need to be able to see them, so that you can clean them properly.

Do I have an implant for each missing tooth?

No, unless you’re only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, five or 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 used.

What if I get hit in the face?

Implants and the teeth they support can be damaged by an accident in the same way that natural teeth can. However, if the false teeth are damaged and the remnants are left in the bone then they may be more difficult to remove than natural teeth would be. After healing, false teeth can then be placed alongside the fragments.

 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 the 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. Normal dentures often mean you can’t eat or speak well, due to the denture moving about. But teeth attached to an implant don’t cause this problem.

Where do I get this treatment?

Talk to your dentist, so we can make an assessment and treatment plan. Your dentist may already carry out some or all of this type of treatment and will give you the advice you need.

Bridges

Why should I replace missing teeth?

Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain on the teeth on either side. A gap can also mean you ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bit together. This can lead to food getting packed into the gap? which causes both decay and gum disease.

How are missing teeth replaced?

This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where they are in the mouth. The condition of the other teeth also affects the decision.

There are two main ways to replace the missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge. A bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.

Can I always have a bridge to replace missing teeth?

Yes, if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. Your dentist will help you decide the best way of replacing your missing teeth.

What are bridges made of?

Bridges are usually made of a precious metal or a high-quality zirconia base. If the bridge will show, the non-metal base will provide superior aesthetics.

Are bridges expensive?

Although a bridge may seem expensive it will last many years. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it’s similar to ordering a piece of hand made jewellery. The materials are also expensive so it’s fair to say a bridge will not be the cheapest treatment you have ever had.

How do I look after my bridge?

You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.

Are there other methods for fixing false teeth?

There are other methods, such as using a combination of crowns and partial dentures that can keep the retaining clips out of sight.

These are quite specialised dentures, so you should ask your dentist about them. You can also have teeth implanted, ask your dentist for more information.

Remember that it is as important to care for your remaining teeth as it is to replace the missing ones.

Are there different types of bridges?

Yes, there are different types of bridges which use different fixing methods. Your dentist will chose the most effective and conservative bridge for your personal situation.