Dental implants common questions.

Today, if you lose one or more teeth, you now have options beyond bridges and partial dentures. One of those options is dental implants . Dental implants are titanium fixtures that are implanted into the jaw bone and are used to anchor natural-looking false teeth. Since the bone grows around the implant, the result is a smile that not only looks completely natural, but one that feels and functions more like your own teeth.
Dental implants are not only an option for patients who lose one tooth. Patients who are missing most, if not all, of their teeth can greatly enjoy the benefits as well.
Unlike dentures and removable bridges , which are usually loose and unstable, dental implants provide a permanent replacement. Implants look and feel much better than dentures and traditional removable bridges, and offer the same force for biting as bridges that are fixed in place. Since this is surgery, we spend the necessary time to inform you of all the details, including the risks, regarding dental implant surgery.

I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have dental implants?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants - from one single tooth to a complete set.

Can dental implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to assess the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn't healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

Our Implant Dentist will be able to give you a provisional timetable before the treatment begins. Usually the permanent teeth are fitted 3 - 6 months after the implants are put in.

How soon can I have the new teeth?

The implants need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been put in. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. Sometimes the implants may be stable enough when they are fitted for the artificial teeth to be attached much sooner than this.
If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then these can be worn throughout the healing period once they have been modified after the surgery.

Are the teeth difficult to clean?

Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be areas that are difficult to reach and you'll be shown methods to help.

If I had gum disease when I had my own teeth, will I get it with the teeth attached to the dental implants?

Yes, if you don't care for them well enough. If you keep them clean, and don't smoke, then you should not have any problems.

Can I take the teeth out if they are fixed to dental implants?

Most artificial teeth attached to implants can only be placed and removed by the dentists. However, if you have complete dentures fixed to the implant by bars, then you'll be able to take them out for cleaning.

Do the dental implants show?

Your dentist will make sure that the implants won't show during all normal movements of the mouth and lips. You will need to be able to see them, so that you can clean them properly.

Do I have a dental implant for each missing tooth?

No, unless you're only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, five or six dental implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants may be used.

What if I get hit in the face?

Dental implants and the teeth they support can be damaged by an accident in the same way that natural teeth can. However, if the false teeth are damaged then the remnants are left in the bone and they can be more difficult to remove than natural teeth would be. After healing, new false teeth can then be placed alongside the fragments.

What happens if the dental implant does not bond (integrate) with the bone?

This happens very rarely. If the dental implant becomes loose during the healing period or just after, then it is easily removed and healing takes place in the normal way. Once the jaw has healed, another implant can be placed there. Or, the dentist can make a bridge, using the implanted false teeth that have 'taken'.

Is the treatment expensive?

In many situations, the cost of the treatment is only a little more than the cost of more conventional treatment with crowns and bridges.

There are advantages to it, too. An implant to replace a single tooth avoids the need to cut down the teeth either side for crowns to support a bridge. Normal dentures often mean you can't eat or speak well, due to the dentures moving about. But teeth attached to an implant don't cause this problem

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