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Dental Implants

Dental implant therapy has been around for many years with a proven track record. Improvements in materials and surgical techniques have made dental implants the gold standard treatment in many instances for the replacement of missing teeth.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant essentially substitutes for a missing tooth root. It is commonly cylindrical or screw-shaped. Each implant is carefully and precisely drilled into the location of the intended tooth and provides a foundation for long-term support of replacement teeth. To this, a connector is fitted, which passes through the gum into the mouth. A crown or bridge is then fitted to complete the replacement of the missing tooth.

Almost all dental implants in use today are made from titanium or titanium alloy. These materials have been shown to be well tolerated by bone. The terms ‘osseointegrated implants’ and ‘endosseous implants’ are widely used to describe dental implants that can develop and maintain a close union with bone in order to support replacement teeth.

Who is a suitable candidate for dental implants?

Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple missing teeth or to replace teeth in cases with complete tooth loss. Therefore, almost any situation can potentially be treated with this modality. However, various factors need to be taken into consideration such as bone volume and quality, tooth and jaw relationships, oral habits and general medical health. Your dental surgeon will assess your suitability for treatment with these implants.

How is treatment carried out?

Phase 1: Treatment Planning - Thorough assessment of your medical health, oral health, the way your teeth fit together and bone volume will be performed to produce an individualised treatment plan. This will involve the taking of radiographs (X rays) and, in complex cases, a CT scan may also be necessary.
Phase 2: Surgical Treatment - A minor surgical procedure is carried out to place titanium fixtures into bone. If bone and/or soft tissue are insufficient, there may also be a need for additional bone or soft tissue grafting procedures.

Phase 3: Restorative Treatment - After integration of the implant fixtures to the bone, ‘new permanent teeth’ will be designed and fabricated to fit over the dental implants.

How long does the treatment take to complete?

In most cases, there is an 8 to 10 week interval between the placing of the implants and the ‘impression appointment.’ Two weeks later, the finished ‘teeth’ will be ready to fit on the implants.  The total length of time would depend on case complexity as well as the need for additional procedures like bone grafting. ‘Immediate loading’ implant, where the entire implant treatment is completed within the same day, is possible for selected cases.

How do I maintain these implants?

These ‘new teeth’ are maintained in much the same way as normal teeth. Specific brushing and flossing techniques will be taught, as well as regular dental checks on the implants. Good oral hygiene is required to ensure the long-term success of your implants. It is recommended that you see the hygienist at regular intervals to ensure the tissues supporting the implant are maintained in the best of health.

How long will the implant fixtures stay in the bone?

If the titanium fixtures have successfully integrated to the bone and are properly maintained, they should last for many years. However, just as you would expect conventional crowns, bridges and fillings to need occasional repairs or replacements during the course of their lifetime, your implant-supported teeth may also need similar maintenance.

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