What are Dental (teeth) Implants?
Dental implants, also known as osseointegrated dental prostheses or fixtures, are artificial tooth roots that integrate with the jawbone. They can be used to replace missing teeth and provide a foundation for crowns and bridges. The process of implanting an implant is called “osseointegration” because it mimics how bone grows into natural joints like those in your knee or hip.
The Applications of Dental Implant Surgery
Dental Implants are not limited to the replacement of missing teeth. They can be used in a variety of other situations, such as:
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The restoration and maintenance of bone loss due to periodontal disease or trauma;
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The support for removable dentures;
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The treatment of jaw deformities;
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The correction of malocclusion;
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The augmentation of alveolar ridges prior to implant placement;
Dental implants to improve your oral health:
Anyone who has missing teeth that they would like to replace has a range of options available to them, including dental implants. Your Dentist will firstly need to and complete an assessment and evaluate you to establish if an implant is the most appropriate solution and equally if you are a suitable candidate.
The most common type of implant is a screw-shaped titanium post which goes into the jawbone where there was once a tooth root. It has an artificial crown attached to it with cement or resin.
Advantages of Dental Implants?
Dentists have been using implants for many years to replace missing teeth. There are many advantages including:
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Replace a removable denture or other prosthesis that can be lost or damaged
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Immediate restoration after tooth loss
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More hygienic than traditional methods
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More comfortable and stable than bridges
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Can last many years with proper care
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dentists are always looking for ways to improve their patients’ oral health.
One of the most popular methods is through tooth implants, which can be used in place of a missing or damaged natural tooth.
The success rate of implant dentistry Successful outcomes is very high however the end result depends on the skillset of your dentist and from patient to patient depends on several factors such as:
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How long ago was your last crown placed?
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If you have had multiple crowns placed over time, it may take longer than usual for an implant to heal properly.
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History of Gum Disease, Oral Cancer or any other complication
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants inclusing the cost
Dentists are the best people to help you with your dental needs. They can provide a variety of services, including tooth replacement using implants. However, there is more than one type of implant available for use in dentistry. The most common types include:
- Screw-type teeth implants – These are used when replacing single teeth or multiple missing teeth. This method involves drilling into the jawbone where it meets the skull.
- Cantilever-style implants – Cantilevers are often preferred by patients who have lost several teeth due to periodontal disease. In this case, an artificial root will be attached to the top portion of the crown that has been placed on the remaining natural roots.
- Implant bridges – Implant bridges involve placing two or three teeth implants at each end of the bridge. A false tooth is then connected between them.
- Implants costs - In consultation with your dentist, you will need to weigh up all available treatment options including Implants to ascertain if an implant offers the best solution and is viable in terms of cost
Single tooth implant restoration
A single-tooth implant is a dental prosthetic device that replaces one missing natural tooth. It consists of an artificial root, crown and gum tissue to support the replacement tooth and attaches to your jaw. Your dentist will guide you accordingly during your visit to the clinic.
The procedure for placing this type of implant involves drilling into your jawbone where it will be anchored by screws or other devices.
Once in place, your dentist attaches the crown with cement. This process can take from a few weeks to few months before you see results.
Various Applications of a Single tooth Implant
As you can imagine, there are many reasons as to why you may lose a tooth, implants cover a wide range of both cosmetic and restorative applications, such as:
- Implant-Supported Single Crowns
- Fixed Bridge removable dentures
- Implant abutment
- Crown fabrication
The ISFBB is a permanent solution for restoring a partially edentulous arch. An implant fixture is surgically inserted into the alveolar ridge crest of the patient's upper or lower jaw. After osseointegration occurs, a porcelain veneer is fabricated over the implant fixture and permanently secured to its surface via adhesive bonding agents. When properly positioned, the final result resembles a normal healthy tooth structure.
An orthodontic temporary anchorage device, also known as a TAD, is used during orthodontics to hold brackets onto teeth temporarily so that braces may move them around more easily. They are typically made from titanium or stainless steel and come in different shapes and sizes depending upon their intended use. TAADs are commonly used when there is insufficient space available within the oral cavity for placement of traditional attachments.
These small diameter implants are designed specifically for cosmetic purposes only. These implants are often referred to as "mini" implants. Mini implants are generally less than 3 mm long and 1–2 mm wide. They are most frequently used for aesthetic reasons rather than functional ones to improve your smile / mouth.
Bridges are used to replace multiple missing teeth. There are many types of bridges including cantilever, telescopic, partial overdenture, full overdenture, and complete overdenture.
Cantilevered bridge: A cantilevered bridge is a type of dental implant that replaces one or more missing teeth with an artificial tooth attached to the jawbone by a metal post. The crown acts as a replacement for your natural tooth root. This type of bridge can be made from porcelain fused to gold alloy or titanium. It may also have attachments on either side of the gap in order to support additional teeth.
Zygomatic implants are placed directly beneath the zygoma bone at the center of the cheek area. They provide stability for single crown restorations and/or prostheses.
Telescoping bridge: Telescoping bridges consist of two pontics connected together by a rigid bar called a spacer. Each pontic has a connector which fits into a hole drilled through the adjacent teeth. The connectors allow the pontics to slide back and forth along the length of the spacer.
Dental Implants, frequently asked quesitons.
How much do dental implants cost?
The average price of a dental implant starts from £2,500.00 per implant, the cost largely depends on how many implants are placed and whether additional treatment is needed such as bone grafts or sinus lifts. As there are a wide range of options you will require a full assessment and scan of your jaw before an estimate can be produced.
Why are Dental implants are not always available on the NHS
How Do I Care for Dental Implants?
Where are you based in Stafford?
What If I am in pain after treatment? Emergency Dental Care
In general, No. They are made of a soft material and they will not cause any pain or discomfort to the patient. The implant is placed in your jaw bone, which makes it very comfortable for you. You can eat normally after treatment without feeling any pain. However, if you have had an infection before the procedure, then there may be some swelling around the area where the implant was inserted. This should go away within two weeks. For nervous patients we offer conscious sedation and treatment planning to ensure you are comfortable at all times. We have a wealth of experience in caring for patients of a nervous disposition and a very warm, caring and welcoming team.
The average length of a full course of implant treatment varies greatly depending on your treatment needs. You will need to have a full assessment before the time scale can be determined. When your Dentist has completed the assessment, he will be able to give you an idea of when you will complete the treatment.
Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. The process of placing a dental implant involves multiple steps, including:
- Damaged tooth removal
- Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed
- Dental implant placement
- Bone growth and healing
- Abutment placement
- Artificial tooth placement
Receiving dental implants is a well practiced procedure across the UK.
