Replacement of missing teeth is important for function, aesthetics and the maintenance of a stable occlusion. Historically teeth have been replaced with removable dentures or fixed bridges. Over the last decade dental implants have become an increasingly more reliable and predictable option, both as a result of advances in surgical techniques and improved bio-materials.

Dental implants are usually made of titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone, literally replacing the root of the missing tooth. Following a variable healing period, replacement teeth in the form of crowns or dentures will be attached.

The procedure is an established way to replace missing teeth with proven success rates of better than 96%. Patients with impeccable oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups can enjoy implants that last a lifetime.

Tooth-loss can occur through infection, gum disease or trauma. A missing tooth may cause a multitude of problems:

• Remaining teeth can shift and/or rotate making chewing difficult
• Embarrassment, particularly if the missing tooth is a front tooth
• Loss of alveolar bone occurring whenever a tooth is lost

The advantages of an implant to replace a missing tooth or teeth are:

• It is independent of adjacent teeth
• It is not necessary to prepare adjacent teeth as for a bridge
• It is easy to maintain and keep clean
• It helps to maintain bone levels and prevents further bone loss in the edentulous space

Criteria for successful implant placement:

• Good oral hygiene
• Good supporting bone and healthy gum tissues
• Good general health – long term success can be compromised in smokers and in patients with certain health concerns or a reduced immune response

Denture wearers will have

• Confidence in secure dentures
• Improved speech and overall comfort
• Improved chewing ability
• Less tissue irritation

IMPLANT PROCEDURE

Prior to treatment medical and dental histories are screened and a thorough examination - including panoramic X-rays and CT scans - are performed. Oral hygiene routines (brushing) and oral habits (grinding) are discussed. This procedure will then clear the patient as a good candidate for implant treatment, or the opposite.

A treatment plan will be put together and discussed with the patient.

Implants are placed into the bone under local anaesthesia, and the implant is left under the gum for a period of at least 4 months for the implant to fuse (integrate) to the bone. When ready, the implant is exposed and a healing cap is attached to the implant, and this allows the gum to shape or form above the implant. The healing cap is replaced with a fixture that is attached to the implant and to which the final crown is screwed or cemented.

Dental Implants require generally a greater financial commitment than a fixed or removable denture - for obvious reasons. The cost can vary from one case to another due to the very personal status of each patient and his or her requirements. Costs will include the surgical placement of the implants, the costs of all the implant components and the cost of the final crown/s or denture.

Risks of Dental Implants

There are few risks associated with dental implants. With proper diagnostics and a good treatment plan, most problems can be avoided. Because a surgical procedure is involved there is a small risk of problems related to the surgery. Implants can fail, but with proper technique, hygiene and maintenance the chances of problems are minimal.

Implants have proven to be an extremely safe, reliable and a long term cost effective means of treatment. Their success rate makes dental implants one of the more predictable and ideal means of replacing missing teeth.