Conventional implants
Dental implants give you the confidence to achieve a more natural smile. Acting as an anchor for an artificial tooth, a dental implant consists of a small titanium post that is placed in just one or two visits. Titanium is used because it so compatible and can bond strongly to the living bone tissue.
Techniques may range from replacing one missing tooth to replacing every tooth in the upper and lower jaws. Without interfering with your speech ability, eating and general comfort, dental implants will offer you the security to achieve that perfect smile.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are basically sophisticated screws or posts made of a medically pure metal, titanium. These screws/posts are placed in the jaw bone and rest under the gum for 3 - 6 months. During this time they actually fuse to the jawbone and become osseo (bone) integrated. After the appropriate healing time, we uncover the implants and use them to replace one or more missing teeth by making a dental prosthesis (eg crown, bridge or overdenture).
How long have implants been used in dentistry?
The first dental implants were placed in 1965, since then they have been used worldwide with great success.
What are implants made of?
Implants are made of commercially and medically pure titanium. This is the same metal that has been successfully used in hip implants for many years. It is inert and is not known to cause any type of rejection phenomenon.
How complicated is the surgery?
Implant surgery is often done in just one stage. This involves the placement of the implants into the available jaw bone and is most commonly done with just local anaesthesia. It is complicated only in the sense that the surgery requires great precision.
Sometimes a second stage is needed which involves the uncovering of the implants after they have integrated (fused). This can be accomplished with minor gum surgery and is a relatively minor procedure. In both instances, minimal post-operative discomfort is noticed. You will be given the appropriate antibiotics and analgesics just as a precaution. Detailed post-operative instructions will be given toyou at the time of surgery.
Can implants be rejected?
No. They are made of an inert metal which has no history of rejection by the body. They are not a living organ such as the lung or liver and therefore there is no rejection phenomenon. If failure should occur, and this is only a remote possibility, it is mechanical in nature and not due to rejection by the body. Implants are anywhere from 85-98% successful depending on factors such as the location of the implant and the amount and quality of available bone. These factors will be evaluated before we place your implants. If you have any questions regarding this or any other aspect of the implant process, please ask.
If I lose several teeth, do they each have to be replaced with a separate implant?
No. One implant can be used to replace one or more teeth. At your consultation we will discuss the various treatment alternatives and the type and number of implants that are needed in order to fulfil our treatment objectives.
What about infection and complications?
During the surgery every effort is made to maintain a totally sterile field. This is to minimise any potential for post-operative infection. We will prescribe the appropriate antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Once the implants and replacement teeth are in place, you must maintain the highest standards of oral hygiene.
What types of restorations can be placed on implants?
The answer to this question depends on your treatment objectives. It can vary from simple removable dentures, using the implants to hold the dentures in place, to totally implant-supported porcelain crowns and bridges. Implant bridges can be either removable or fixed (not removable) depending upon the number of implants.
Will I be able to chew and function normally?
Yes. Once your implants have integrated, you will be able to function normally without any unusual sensations. Your chewing ability will really depend upon the type of prosthesis you have chosen.
How long is the entire implant process?
Dental implants take approximately 3-4 months to integrate. Once integrated, it takes several visits to complete the restoration depending upon the complexity.
What is the cost?
The cost of implant dentistry is based on a combination of the surgical phase and the prosthetic phase. Your total treatment fee will depend upon the number of implants and the complexity of your final restoration. Look at our Cost of treatment section for some examples of prices.
