dental implants

Dental implants are slowly replacing dentures used by some people, as they provide many advantages of traditional dentures.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, constructed of titanium and placed into the jawbone, onto which false teeth are fixed. They can offer a permanent and very effective alternative to dentures and fixed bridgework for people who have lost teeth. Because they are fixed in place, implants supporting bridgework or overdentures can feel much better than traditional dentures and can help with chewing, boosting the wearer’s self confidence and quality of life. If well done, dental implants blend into the gums and should look perfectly realistic.

You can have any number fitted, from single implants to replace individual lost teeth, to a full set by providing fixed support for crowns and bridges. You do not necessarily need an implant for each lost tooth, and even two or three will stabilise a loose denture. Implants are often used alongside conventional restorative dental treatment such as crowns and veneers for people who still have many of their own teeth.

Some general dentists are trained to fit implants, others may prefer to refer patients to an implant specialist, particularly if it is a complex case. Some may refer only for the surgical placement stage, and undertake all subsequent restorative work themselves.

Your dentist or specialist will assess the suitability of your mouth for implants, checking that there is enough healthy bone in the jaw to support them. If there is not enough bone or it is not healthy enough, your dentist will discuss ways of improving it or alternative options.

Implants are surgically placed in the mouth, usually under local anaesthetic. It may be possible to supplement the local anaesthetic with sedation techniques. Following this operation, the implants are allowed to heal and integrate into the jaw for several weeks or even months, during which time they are often buried under the gum. Once integrated, they are uncovered, posts are fitted into them and the restorations (crowns, bridges or overdentures) are fabricated and placed on top. The total treatment time depends on the case complexity, the position of the implants and whether or not bone grafts are used which can add some additional months of healing.

There will be some bruising and discomfort after the operation to place the titanium root, but once the implant has integrated and the restoration is placed on top, you should not be aware of it in your mouth.

You cannot usually remove fixed implant supported teeth yourself; this has to be done by the dentist. However, where implant abutments are used to help stabilise partial or full dentures these should be removed at night or as advised by your dentist.

Implants are now well established and have a good safety reputation. The techniques and the materials have improved, and dentists should attend specialist courses to ensure they are qualified to fit implants. Very occasionally the implant does not integrate well with the bone. If this occurs, it may have to be removed and once the gum has healed it may be possible to replace it.

Most modern implants will last many years providing regular maintenance is undertaken.

Your dentist will show you how to keep the area clean while the implants are integrating into your jaw. Once the teeth are fitted you should clean them like your own teeth, though you may need to take extra care in more awkward areas.

Implant treatment can be expensive. You will need to talk to your dentist and get an assessment of the work that needs carrying out.