Q:
What is a Dental Implant?
A:
A Dental Implant is a Titanium Metal replacement for a root
of a missing tooth that is surgically implanted
in the jawbone by an Implant Dentist. It varies from case
to case but approximately 2-6 months after the
surgery the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through
a process called Osseointegration. After the
healing phase is complete the implant is used to anchor crowns,
bridges or dentures. Once complete, dental
implants function just like real teeth.
Q:
What are the advantages of Implants over conventional methods?
A:
Natural teeth can be replaced by bridges or dentures. For
bridges, healthy dental enamel has to be
sacrificed by grinding the adjacent teeth. The gap in the
row of teeth is closed by an intermediate element;
however, the lost dental root is not replaced, which has consequences
for the jawbone, because this will
“atrophy” with time - it lacks the pressure from
chewing transmitted by the root, which normally stimulates
it to constant regeneration. Dentures lead for the same reason
to a disappearance of the bone mass - an
inescapable atrophy, and the denture has to be constantly
corrected. The result is a denture, which often fits
poorly and this impairs many who wear dentures greatly in
their quality of life; in the extreme case, this can
go so far that they generally avoid social contact. Dental
Implants are the effective replacement for lost teeth.
As anchors in the jawbone, dental implants form a stable foundation
for permanent attachment of the crown;
grinding of adjacent teeth does not take place, and loss of
bone tissue by atrophy is prevented, since implants, as ‘artificial
dental roots’, transmit the chewing forces into the
jawbone. A single implant as root substitute is the most elegant
way of achieving a cosmetically ideal closure of the gap.
In completely edentulous jaws, dental implants are a secure
fixation method for removable full dentures and so spare the
patients the usual disadvantages of conventional “false
teeth”.
Q:
Is the treatment painful?
A:
No, as they are carried out with local anaesthetic. Any extensive
procedure may be performed with
sedation. At Stardent we can also offer our patients Acupuncture
to reduce their anxiety before the surgery.
Q:
How long will it last?
A:
Most of the dental implants can last for an indefinite amount
of time. But this is dependant on a number of
factors such as the patient returning for regular check ups
and hygiene maintenance and general dental care.
Q:
How much will it cost?
A:
Since every implantation represents a completely individual
problem solution tailored to the special
requirements of each single case, it is not possible to give
general guidelines concerning costs. The dentist will draw
up a personal treatment and cost plan.
Q:
What conditions must be met for Implantation?
A:
When the body has finished growing and provided the jaw anatomy
and general medical requirements
are met, every gap in the teeth can be closed using dental
implants. Basic requirements for implantation
are an adequate bone supply with regard to quality and volume,
good oral hygiene, and normal wound
healing capacity. Before implantation, the natural teeth are
rehabilitated, and any gum disease is treated and
eliminated. Important guarantees of long-term successful implantation
are conscientious oral hygiene and
regular check-ups with the dentist.
Q:
Are there any complications?
A:
Although rare, dental implant complications do occur. If the
bond between the dental implant and the bone
breaks, it may have to be removed. If so, it may be possible
to replace the failed dental implant, either at the
same time or after doing a bone grafting procedure.
There are certain
risk factors that may increase the risk of complications:
- Smoking
- Diminished healing ability such as uncontrolled diabetes.
Q:
Are there different types of Dental Implants?
A:
Yes. There are several types and your dentist will be able
to tell you which type suits you after a full examination.
An important factor for selection is to determine whether
your Jawbone can adequately support the implant.
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