Dental Implant

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed in the jawbone in order to restore the aesthetics and normal function of the teeth that have been lost due to untreated caries, fractures, gum problems, trauma and systemic diseases.

Why Should I Have Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actually helps to stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss in the jaw. Getting dental implants as soon as possible after losing a tooth helps prevent bone loss at the site. When an implant is placed in the region where a tooth has been lost or extracted, we recover the chewing, phonation and aesthetic functions, whilst delaying the dissolution of the bone in that region. Patients who have lost all their teeth, particularly in the lower jaw in patients using a total (full palate) denture, can present with issues relating to chewing problems and instability of their dentures. These issues can be solved with the placement of 2 or 3 implants. In certain cases, dental implants can be placed without the need for reduction (preparatory filing down) of other neighbouring teeth, as would be required in the case of a tooth-supported dental bridge. As nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own natural teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

Are Dental Implants Suitable for Everyone?

Dental implants are suitable for all adult patients who do not have any pre-existing medical conditions or issues that could prevent the procedure, including any medical indications against tooth extractions being carried out. In those who have pre-existing medical issues or health problems, treatment can be carried out after the necessary precautions have been taken by a medical professional.  Clenching/grinding habits, smoking, severe gingival problems, the use of certain drugs and poor oral hygiene are all factors that can affect the success of the dental implant placement. Although bone structure can seem to be the most important problem, nowadays, with the various available medical interventions, the bone can successfully be made ready for implant application.

How Long Does the Implant Procedure Take to Complete?

The implant process can vary from 0 to 6 months from start to finish, depending on the implant brand used, the density of the bone site where the implant is to be placed and the health status of the patient.

Can Dental Implants Be Placed Immediately After the Extraction Of A Tooth?

If the necessary oral and radiological examinations are performed and the conditions are appropriate for treatment, implants can indeed be placed immediately after an extraction has been carried out.

How Is Bone Suitability for Implants Determined?

The results of an oral examination and radiological findings will determine whether or not the jaw bone is suitable for implant placement.  The most accurate diagnosis can be achieved by a dental tomography (three-dimensional dental x-ray – available on site).

How Soon Can My Teeth Be Fitted After the Dental Implant Procedure?

If the bone density and other correct positioning has been achieved successfully after the implant operation, the new permanent prosthesis/teeth can be worn immediately, and if not, temporary prostheses to be used during the treatment process are prepared for the patient.

Will I Experience Any Pain During the Implant Operation?

Each individual’s reaction to the procedure is different but from experience, most patients have little to no discomfort during implant placement. A dental implant requires that your dentist make incisions in your gums. You will receive local anaesthesia to numb your mouth during the procedure.

In patients whose bone density and all other conditions have been considered to be suitable, implant placement is a very short and easy procedure that can be performed in 3-5 minutes. A few days after the operation, there may be mild oedema and pain, but most patients do not even enquire the use of postoperative painkillers.

All on Four / All on Six / All on Eight Implant Procedures

Our clinic performs the following implant procedures;

• All on Four
• All on Six
• All on Eight

For patients with no natural teeth remaining that use removable dentures, the ‘All-On-Eight’ procedure can significantly improve their quality of life with the placement of a brand new fixed denture/prosthesis, anchored in place permanently by 8 dental implants.