Considering Dental Implants - A patient's guide to …

1 Considering A patient's guide to Dental implant Dental treatment Implants ? Dental Implant Information In the last decade Dental Implants have become widely used in mainstream dentistry and are usually the treatment of choice for a missing tooth. 1. What is a Dental implant? A Dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root, usually Custom-made made from titanium. There are many crown different implant systems available and when competently used they all deliver a highly reliable form of treatment. The main aim during the placement of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with Abutment the surrounding bone.

2 Over time further growth of bone onto the implant surface Implant enhances the stability of the implant. In order to support replacement teeth, Dental Implants normally have some form Bone of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. 2. Who is suitable for Dental Implants ? Dental Implants are suitable for most However, each case is different and if adults with good general health. you do have any medical problems then They can only be used once the jawbone speak to your doctor or dentist prior has stopped growing and so generally are to starting any treatment it is only in not used with younger patients .

3 Some circumstances that health problems prevent the use of Dental Implants Habits such as heavy drinking or smoking altogether. can increase the number of problems associated with initial healing and thereafter may be bad for the long-term health of gum and bone surrounding Dental Implants are each implant. Some dentists will decline to place Implants if smoking cannot be suitable for most adults reduced or given up altogether. with good general health 2. 3. How will you know if you are suitable 5. How long does treatment take? for Implants ? For routine cases, from the time of implant At your initial consultation the dentist placement to the time of placing the will assess the feasibility of providing first tooth/teeth, treatment times can vary implant treatment.

4 You will be expected to between six weeks and six months. answer detailed questions concerning your The availability of better quality bone can medical history and there will be a complete be used to decrease treatment time, examination of your mouth and remaining whilst more time and care must be taken teeth to discover the nature and extent with poorer bone, which can therefore of any current Dental problems. Usually extend treatment times beyond six months. x-rays will be taken and models of the teeth prepared so that these can be examined 6.

5 What should you know before you after your visit. start treatment? These x-rays and models will be used It is accepted practice that you should to determine the optimal position for an be given a written summary of your implant, how many Implants can be placed in treatment planning discussion(s), the gap and the quality and volume of bone highlighting your current Dental situation that is available. and any alternatives there are to Dental Implants . This summary should also include Establishing good basic Dental health is an overview of the anticipated treatment a key stage in any treatment plan.

6 At this stages and give you some idea of how first appointment you should be made long treatment is likely to take, how many aware of which problems are urgent, and Implants are required and what the fees what treatment is required to stabilise any are expected to be. There may well be gum- or tooth-related problems. It would other issues specific to your case and these be reasonable to expect a verbal outline would be dealt with accordingly. of how your particular implant treatment might be approached. 7. How long will the Implants last? Once the Implants and surrounding soft 4.

7 Do you need to have a healthy tissues are seen to be healthy and the new mouth? teeth comfortable and correctly adjusted, When you first enquire about Dental it is the quality of your personal attention Implants it is often in response to an to oral hygiene and willingness to attend awareness of ongoing Dental problems regular maintenance reviews that will have or the recent loss of teeth. The cause most influence on how long they will last. of these problems will need to be understood and treated before When poorly cared for, Implants will undertaking implant treatment.

8 Develop a covering of hard and soft deposits (calculus and plaque), which is If you are aware of bad breath, loose very similar to that found on neglected teeth, or have noticed excessive bleeding, natural teeth. Untreated, these deposits particularly when your teeth are cleaned can lead to gum infection, bleeding, professionally, you may have gum problems. soreness and general discomfort. It could Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a probably be said that Implants will last major cause of bone loss, and with reduced as long as natural teeth.

9 Bone Dental implant treatment can be more complicated but not impossible. 3. Well-maintained Implants placed into 9. An overview of the implant process adequate bone can be expected to last Implant treatment normally involves for many years and possibly for your several stages that take place over lifetime. However, just as you would expect a period of time from three to nine conventional crowns, bridges and fillings to months. Although there are various implant need occasional repairs or replacements, treatment methods, a typical process often your implant-supported teeth may also includes: have similar maintenance requirements over the years.

10 Assessment and treatment planning: At initial consultation, following full 8. How many teeth can be supported by discussion of all possible alternatives, Implants ? the dentist will assess the feasibility of providing implant treatment. X-rays will be Dental Implants can be used to replace one taken and models of the teeth prepared. or several missing teeth. All the A written treatment plan will then be common forms of tooth replacement, such formulated detailing the sequence of as bridges or dentures can be supported treatment and associated costs.