How long will the treatment take?
Traditionally implant treatment can take 2 to 3 months much of which is waiting for the implant to heal or osseointegrate in the bone.
The patient is often unaware of the implants during this period and only suffers a minor inconvenience of having a temporary bridge or denture. Shorter healing periods can be used but there can be a risk of implant failure associated with immediate or early loading.
How long will the surgery take?
There are generally four stages associated implant surgery. Setting up may include draping the surgical area to make it sterile. Second is examination and to administer local anaesthetic.
The third phase is the surgery itself and the fourth phase is recovery and assistance. For a single tooth implant the entire procedure may take as little as 20 minutes.
It is uncommon for more extensive surgery although bone grafting may lengthen the procedure.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of implant treatment can be likened to the replacement of one's own teeth. A dental implant or implants may be thought of as an anchor supporting a single tooth bridge or denture.
The crown or bridgework maybe cemented onto an abutment attached to the implant or attached via small screws in a way that the dentist can remove the bridgework is necessary. There are considerable aesthetic benefits from use of implants as far as appearance goes.
The direct rigid connection between the implants and the jawbone enables patients to eat apples, steak and other traditionally avoided foods. Dental implants have been found to be very long-lasting with the early cases of the current type of implants now having been placed in excess of 40 years.
What are the contraindications?
There are relatively few contraindications to dental implant placement. It is a very safe and successful procedure. There are some medical contraindications including blood disorders, serious systemic disease, and possibly diabetes.
In addition local factors such as inadequate bone quality or quantity may also make treatment more difficult. It is very important to discuss medical history and all associated factors on a case-by-case basis with the specialist involved.
Where can I find a clinician who can treat me?
Dental implant treatment is increasing in its provision around the world. As with any form of medical care it is important to find a clinician is well qualified and experienced in provision of the treatment.
Specialist associations and local groups can often offer advice as the most accessible and appropriate treatment provider.
Will it hurt?
Dental implant treatment is most commonly carried out under local anaesthesia. The treatment is very similar to routine dental care or a minor surgical operation. There maybe a small amount of discomfort or pressure but the procedure should not be painful.
What happens if I move?
If a patient has had dental implant treatment they should ask the medical professional who carried out the treatment to provide them with some notes and a list of the components used in the provision of their care.
There are a wide range of implant systems and components and if patients move and see a new clinician in the future is very helpful to be able to identify the components used easily.
Where can I get advice?
Is important to be able to find and experienced and caring medical professional who can provide a high standard of treatment. A patient's own general dentist may already have a referring specialist.
Alternatively friends and colleagues who have been happy with the treatment carried out by an implant specialist are often happy to share this information and provide a source of reassurance to the patient.
When should I have it done?
Clearly this will differ for every patient and on a case-by-case basis. Implants may be placed at the very time a tooth is taken out (immediate replacement).
This has the benefit in some cases of maintaining the bone that was surrounding the tooth. Alternatively a clinician may decide to wait a period of months after extraction.
If teeth had been missing from a number of years than the jawbone can disappear or resorb and in some extreme cases this can make implant placement very difficult and grafting bone from the hip or from other sources may be considered.
I have a medical condition does it mean I can have implants?
Is important to discuss medical conditions and medical history clearly with the treating commission.
There are very few contraindications to dental implant treatment and the benefits are often considerable. Appropriate planning for patients taking anticoagulants and other medicines can be carried out.
My child has lost a tooth through an accident can they have an implant?
Children have deciduous (milk or baby) teeth which are lost and replaced by permanent teeth in the age range, typically 6-14.
A dentist may recommend a temporary replacement for a missing deciduous tooth to maintain the space for the eruption of the permanent tooth but not an implant.
An implant may be considered as a replacement for loss of a permanent tooth but not until the child has stopped growing – typically over age 18 to be sure.