Dental implants are a popular and highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several, or need a full mouth restoration, dental implants offer a long-term and natural-looking option.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about dental implants, including what they are, the procedure involved, types of implants available, and answers to commonly asked questions.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Once they “fuse” (osseointegrate) with the bone, these implants provide a stable base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, known as crowns or bridges.
The fusion process, called osseointegration, ensures that dental implants are secure and function just like natural teeth. This makes them a preferred option for patients seeking a permanent solution for tooth loss.
Dental Implant Surgery: What to Expect
Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process that usually involves several appointments over a few months. Here’s a breakdown of the general procedure:
- Initial Consultation:
Your dentist or dental implant specialist (periodontist) will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your suitability for dental implants. If your jawbone is insufficient, you may need a bone graft before the implant can be placed.
- Surgical Placement of the Implant:
In the next phase, the implant is surgically inserted into your jawbone. This minor surgical procedure is typically done under local anaesthesia, although sedation may be available for patients who are anxious or require extensive work.
- Healing Period (Osseointegration):
After the implant is placed, it takes several weeks or even months for the implant to bond with the bone. During this time, the implant integrates with your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the future crown.
- Placement of the Abutment and Crown:
Once the implant has fully fused with the bone, an abutment (a connector) is placed on top of the implant. Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment, completing the procedure.
Full Mouth Dental Implants: A Complete Smile Restoration
For patients missing all or most of their teeth, **full mouth dental implants** provide a life-changing solution.
This option involves placing multiple implants in strategic positions across the upper and lower jaw to support a full set of artificial teeth.
There are frequent approaches for full mouth implants:
– All-on-4 Implants:
This technique uses four implants in each jaw to support a full arch of teeth. The implants are placed at specific angles to maximise contact with the bone, making this an ideal solution for patients with reduced bone density. Where possible we prefer to place 6 implants giving a better load distribution and should an implant be lost the restoration can still be maintained.
– Individual Dental Implants:
In some cases, your dentist may recommend placing individual implants for each missing tooth. While more time-consuming, this method offers the closest resemblance to natural teeth. There are no real advantages to this method.
Other restorations on Dental implants
Implants can be used to help in lots of situations. If there is little bone in a jaw even 2 implants can be used to anchor a denture in place which is much better than a conventional full or complete denture. Where large defects exist due to trauma, cancer or inherited defects implants can be used to repair these areas to great effect.
Types of Dental Implants
There are several **types of dental implants** available, depending on your dental needs and the condition of your jawbone:
- Endosteal Implants:
These are the most common types of dental implants. They are shaped like screws and are inserted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding bone has healed, the implant can hold a crown or bridge.
- Subperiosteal Implants:
For patients with insufficient bone mass, subperiosteal implants may be recommended. These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. Unlike endosteal implants, they do not fuse with the bone, making them a less stable option. We would never recommend these implants as failure can cause huge issues.
- Zygomatic Implants:
In cases where patients have severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants may be used. These implants are longer and anchored into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone.
Replacing Teeth with Dental Implants: Benefits
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants offers numerous advantages:
– Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
– Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.
– Bone Preservation: Implants help maintain bone structure by stimulating the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs with missing teeth.
– Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, implants don’t require altering neighbouring teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
- Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you’re in good overall health and have sufficient jawbone density, you are likely a good candidate for dental implants. Even if you have bone loss, bone grafting can often make implants possible. A full evaluation by your dentist will determine your suitability.
- How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for missing teeth. With proper care, including good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, implants can last 25 years or more. In many cases, they last a lifetime.
- Is the dental implant procedure painful?
The implant surgery itself is typically done under local anaesthesia, meaning you won’t feel pain during the procedure. After the surgery, some swelling and discomfort are normal, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients report that any discomfort subsides within a few days.
- How long does the dental implant procedure take?
The entire process, from implant placement to the final crown, can take several months. The longest part of the process is the healing period, which allows the implant to fuse with the bone. However, this timeline may vary depending on your oral health and whether additional procedures, like bone grafting, are needed.
- Are dental implants expensive?
The cost of dental implants can vary based on factors like the number of implants needed, the type of implant, and the complexity of the procedure. While the initial cost of implants is higher than other tooth replacement options, their longevity and benefits often make them a cost-effective solution over time. Removed line
- Can anyone get full mouth dental implants?
Many people who are missing all or most of their teeth are candidates for full mouth dental implants. However, you will need to undergo an evaluation to ensure you have enough healthy bone to support the implants. In some cases, additional procedures, such as bone grafting, may be required.
- What happens if my implant fails?
While dental implants have a high success rate of 95-98%, in rare cases, an implant may fail to integrate with the bone. Factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or certain medical conditions can increase the risk of implant failure. If an implant fails, your dentist can often replace it with another implant after the area has healed.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a reliable, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you need a single tooth implant or a full mouth restoration, dental implants provide unparalleled strength, durability, and a natural appearance.
The process may take time, but the results are worth it. If you’re considering dental implants, consult with your dentist to determine the best approach for your unique needs.