Who is suitable for dental implants?

If you have good general health then dental implants will almost certainly work for you. However, habits such as heavy drinking or smoking can increase the number of problems associated with initial healing and thereafter may negatively influence the long term health of gum and bone surrounding each implant.

 

If you have any other complicated medical problems then speak to someone with relevant experience - it is rare to have health problems that prevent the use of dental implants.

 

What else can be done with dental implants?

If you have no teeth in the lower jaw, and are not yet ready for multiple implant placements a conventional lower denture can be considerably improved with two implants placed beneath the front section - this is called 'overdenture'. Implant-supported overdentures, just like conventional dentures are still removed for daily cleaning, however, once back in the mouth, the implants make them more stable.

 

Can dental implants preserve bone?

This is one of the most important features of dental implants. Once in place and supporting teeth, everyday functional forces stimulate the surrounding bone which responds by becoming stronger and more dense. Like all things there are limits to how much work an implant can do.

 

What can you do if an implant does not work?

If an implant does not achieve or cannot maintain a rigid fixation with the surrounding bone it will eventually become loose and no longer be able

to support replacement teeth. Commonly the failing implant causes no discomfort and if there are enough remaining, it may not be necessary to replace it at all.

 

How long does treatment take?

For routine cases, from time of implant placement to the time of placing the first teeth, treatment times can vary between 6 weeks and 6 months. The availability of better bone can be used to decrease treatment time, whilst more time and care must be taken with poorer bone, which can therefore extend treatment times beyond 6 months.

 

Are the new teeth joined together?

When multiple implants are placed, they are routinely joined together in the same way that a bridge supported by natural teeth would be designed.

 

How do I look after the implants?

For most implant-supported teeth you will be able to clean around each supporting implant by brushing and flossing in just the same way that

you would around natural teeth and tooth-supported bridges. Cleaning is not at all difficult provided you do not have impaired use of your hands.

 

How long will the implants last?

During the period after the new teeth are fitted, the success of each treatment stage will be the main factor determining how the implants are performing. Once the implants and surrounding soft tissues are seen to be healthy and the new teeth comfortable and correctly adjusted, it is

the quality of your home care and willingness to present yourself for regular maintenance reviews that will have the most influence on how long

they will last.

 

Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and probably your lifetime.

 

Am I too old for implant treatment?

There is no upper age limit for patients to undergo implant treatment, provided they continue to enjoy reasonable good health.

 

Is treatment painful?

Patients are often surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after implant procedures.