Dental Implants
If you are missing any of your natural teeth, implant dentistry can provide you with teeth that look and feel like your very own. Permanent replacement teeth can be yours without the embarrassment of loose dentures or having to cut into other healthy teeth in your mouth.
Implants will enable you to enjoy the simple pleasures of unrestricted eating. With Dental Implants you can have the confidence to pursue an active business and social life.
Dental implants preserve facial bone, whereas conventional dentures or alternatives, usually lead to accelerated bone loss and facial changes associated with ageing.
If you are considering investing in a new set of dentures, we encourage you to come to Blackrock Denture Clinic where you will be treated by the same Clinical Technician at every appointment, and I will use this information I gain from you to produce and design your new dentures to the specifications you request.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are Titanium posts with specially activated surfaces. They are placed (implanted) into your jawbone to function in a similar way to a natural tooth root. Your bone grows onto the implants in a process called OSSEOINTEGRATION. After a few months the implants will form a permanent part of your body, provided there are no complications.
Are Implants safe and how long do they last?
Present day implants are based on scientific evidence and have shown a success rate of more than 90%. Many dentists now agree that implants are one of the most predictable forms of dental treatment, and in most cases it is a long-term solution. More than half a million people receive dental implants every year, and now this option is available to you.
Am I suitable for Dental Implants?
X-rays, and sometimes CT scans, will be needed to see if you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or Leukaemia can affect the bone growing onto the implant and will need careful assessment. In general, most people are suitable candidates for implants.
Does it hurt?
A small procedure will be necessary. It’s usually possible to place the implants in the dentist's rooms. In some cases a general anaesthetic is preferable, and this will require a visit to a medical clinic or hospital. Some patients do experience one or two days of discomfort after the procedure, which is usually related to the stitches.
Is the treatment expensive?
An accurate cost estimate can be obtained from your dentist or dental specialist. This is often given in the form of a quotation. Some insurance companies look favourably upon implant treatment as they know it is predictably successful and permanent. Studies have shown that implants are cost effective when compared with alternative treatment plans.
The components chosen will depend on the type of treatment needed. In addition to component costs, there will be professional fees and there might be hospitalisation and medicine costs. In general, implant treatment is not much more expensive than the alternatives (bridges or new dentures at shorter recurring intervals). The big difference lies with long term success. Implants can be with you for the rest of your life, if cared for properly.
At what age should implants be placed?
The youngest patients receiving implants are in their late teens, and the oldest in their 90's. What often happens where there is missing teeth, is the jawbone begins to shrink. This is common with denture wearers, and the ridge which is important for holding the denture, gradually disappears, affecting the fit of the denture.
Dental Implants restore normal loading of the bone and thereby hinder this further loss of bone. The sooner you decide to have the implants placed, the less will be the permanent loss of bone and the easier it is for the dentist to achieve a good aesthetic result.
How is the treatment obtained?
Implant treatment is a technical and complex form of dentistry. Not all dentists wish, or are trained, to provide implant treatment. For this reason, your dentist might refer you to a specialist for part or all of the implant treatment. The surgery (placing of the implant) is done by a Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgeon, a Periodontist, or a Dentist. The design and construction of the artificial teeth is done by a Dentist or Prosthodontist working in conjunction with a Dental Technician. Ask your dentist about your implant treatment options today.
