What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is used to provide support to one or more prosthetic teeth using connections called abutments. Dental implants are the most predictable and successful means of replacing teeth and have an excellent clinical track record with over 30 years worth of clinical research supporting their use. The success of implants comes from the quality of titanium metal that develops a close union with the bone allowing tooth support.
A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is used to provide support to one or more prosthetic teeth using connections called abutments. Dental implants are the most predictable and successful means of replacing teeth and have an excellent clinical track record with over 30 years worth of clinical research supporting their use. The success of implants comes from the quality of titanium metal that develops a close union with the bone allowing tooth support.
Can I have a dental implant?
Dental implants are possible in any patient with good general and dental health. Dental implant treatment has a poorer prognosis in the following patient categories:
Dental implants are possible in any patient with good general and dental health. Dental implant treatment has a poorer prognosis in the following patient categories:
- smokers. At present we are unsure of the effect of e-cigs on success of implants
- uncontrolled diabetics
- patients with poor oral hygiene
- patients with history of periodontitis
- excessive alcohol intake
- patients who suffer from bruxism
How many implants do I need?
The number of implants needed depends on the number and location of the missing teeth and the quality of available bone. It is very unlikely to need an implant for every missing tooth because bridges can be used with implants so that 2 implants can replace 3 teeth for example and in the presence of good bone quality and volume, 4 implants can be used to replace 12 teeth.
The number of implants needed depends on the number and location of the missing teeth and the quality of available bone. It is very unlikely to need an implant for every missing tooth because bridges can be used with implants so that 2 implants can replace 3 teeth for example and in the presence of good bone quality and volume, 4 implants can be used to replace 12 teeth.
What conditions are required for implant treatment?
Basic dental health is essential, which includes the treatment of gum disease, repair of decay and the elimination of abscesses will be very important in the long-term success of your treatment. You will also need a sufficient volume of bone of appropriate quality and in the right orientation for implant treatment.
Most commonly patients lose bone after tooth removal in a process called bone resorption. If it is severe then implant replacement may not be possible unless the remaining jaw bone is augmented or repaired with bone grafts.
How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants are the most predictable and most successful replacement for a natural tooth in the absence of any contra-indications. The success of dental implants has been reported to be between 90-95% after 10 years of function.
Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and probably your lifetime. However, just as you would expect conventional crowns, bridges and fillings need occasional repairs or replacement during their lifetime, your implant-supported teeth may also have similar maintenance requirements. It must be remembered that dental implants like teeth require regular monitoring by the dental team and effective brushing to ensure long term survival.
What conditions are required for implant treatment?
Basic dental health is essential, which includes the treatment of gum disease, repair of decay and the elimination of abscesses will be very important in the long-term success of your treatment. You will also need a sufficient volume of bone of appropriate quality and in the right orientation for implant treatment.
Most commonly patients lose bone after tooth removal in a process called bone resorption. If it is severe then implant replacement may not be possible unless the remaining jaw bone is augmented or repaired with bone grafts.
How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants are the most predictable and most successful replacement for a natural tooth in the absence of any contra-indications. The success of dental implants has been reported to be between 90-95% after 10 years of function.
Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and probably your lifetime. However, just as you would expect conventional crowns, bridges and fillings need occasional repairs or replacement during their lifetime, your implant-supported teeth may also have similar maintenance requirements. It must be remembered that dental implants like teeth require regular monitoring by the dental team and effective brushing to ensure long term survival.
