DENTAL IMPLANT CLINIC IN HAYES, MIDDLESEX

A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth. It is a titanium screw that can replace the root of a tooth when it fails. Just like a tooth root, it is placed into the jawbone.

Implants are a safe, well-established treatment. It’s probably true to say that implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them.

How well you look after your implants – and whether you go for your regular maintenance appointments – will have the biggest impact on how long they will last.

If you don’t look after your implants they will develop a coating similar to what you get on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. You could get all these problems with natural teeth.

If your implants are well looked after, and if the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years. However, just as with other surgical implants (such as a hip replacement) there is no lifetime guarantee.

Your dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to find out 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.

Do implants hurt?

Placing an implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time but, just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery.

How long does the treatment take?

Your dental team will be able to give you a rough timetable before the treatment starts.

Some false teeth can now even be fitted at the same time as the implants (these are called ‘immediate implants’). Check with your dental team to see whether these are suitable for you. Usually the false teeth are fitted 3 to 4 months after the implants are put in. Sometimes treatment takes longer and your dental team will be able to talk to you about your treatment time.

After your implants have been placed, the bone in your jaw needs to grow onto them and fuse to them. This usually takes a few months. Sometimes the implants may be stable enough when they are placed for the false teeth to be fitted sooner than this.

If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you may have a temporary denture or bridge in the meantime. If you already have full dentures, you can keep wearing these while your implants are healing. Your dentures will need altering, to fit properly after the surgery, and a ‘healing cap’ will usually be placed onto the implant site to protect it.

Are the implant teeth difficult to clean?

No. But aftercare is important if you are going to have a long-lasting, successful implant. Your dental team should give you detailed advice on how to look after your implants. 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 how to clean them. You may need to visit your hygienist more often but your dental team will be able to talk to you about this.

You might choose an alternative solution: Dental implant treatment is a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, but it’s not for everybody. Sometimes people choose to opt for an alternative. This is because:

• Having implant treatment requires multiple procedures and your mouth needs to heal between the implant and false tooth being fitted. So, implant treatment can take longer than other solutions, such as  dentures or bridges.
• Not everyone is suitable for dental implants, for example, if you have had radiotherapy around the jaw, or diabetes which isn’t well controlled you may not be eligible. Your dentist will need to assess your suitability during your initial consultation.
• If you don’t have enough natural bone in your jaw to support the implant, you might need a supporting treatment such as a bone graft or sinus lift first. This can add time and additional costs to the procedure.
• Dental implant treatment involves complex surgery, meaning the work involved can cost more than alternative solutions, such as fitting dentures. They’re also made from high-quality materials including ceramic or porcelain, while a denture is usually made from plastic, which can affect the cost.