Implant dentistry is the most advanced therapy available to replace missing teeth. Dental implant restorations generally look, feel and act like natural teeth.
What are dental implants?
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Dental implants are small screws, usually made of pure titanium that replaces the root portion of a natural tooth. The implants are placed within the bone of the upper or lower jaw. The commercially pure titanium surface of the implant is highly bio-compatible and the surrounding bone forms an intimate and lasting bond to it. |
What are the alternatives?
There are two other ways to replace missing teeth – false teeth and bridges.
False teeth or dentures are a removable way to replace all or some missing teeth and can be made of acrylic or metal. Although very cost effective, they can be difficult to tolerate, loose and hinder taste. The overall result being impaired function and ultimately reduced confidence.
A dental bridge is a non-removable way to replace missing teeth. The pre-requisite is that there has to be a tooth on either side of the gap to support the bridge. The two supporting teeth have to be ground down which may involve removing healthy tooth tissue.
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Why should you consider dental implants?
Dental implants have many advantages compared to traditional crown, bridge & denture solutions.
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Replacing one tooth
A crown mounted on a dental implant is the best choice if you have a tooth missing in the upper or lower jaw.
Fixed implant-borne teeth not only look like your own teeth, they also feel like them. The implant, crown and gums form a harmonious unit. The dental implant replaces the lost tooth root and acts as a post for the implant crown. Grinding the neighbouring teeth is not necessary so healthy tooth substance is preserved.
Replacing several teeth
Some people lose teeth in the back of the mouth. This is typically caused by gum infection (periodontitis) or by teeth cracking due to previous fillings.
In order to prevent bone loss and malposition of the teeth and jaw, a gap involving several teeth should be closed rapidly not only from the functional aspect but also from the medical aspect. The individual situation determines the number of implants used.
A major advantage of implant-borne bridges is that the healthy neighbouring teeth do not have to be ground.
Replacing all the teeth
Implant dentistry offers two options for the restoration of completely toothless jaws:
- Fixed bridge
- Removable prosthesis (overdenture)
The advantages of the two solutions compared to conventional are:
- Prostheses on implants offer secure hold in any situation
- The chewing forces are transmitted to the bone. This prevents bone atrophy and thus ensures optimal prosthesis fit in the long term
- With implant-anchored prostheses, there are no painful pressure points
- The palate remains free from prosthesis material. The sense of taste and thus enjoyment of eating are not impaired
Fixed bridge
For a permanently anchored dental implant bridge, several dental implants are installed to form a good foundation. Because the dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, they stimulate the bone tissue and help to maintain healthy bone levels and facial structures.
Overdenture
An overdenture involves installing two or more dental implants that will be used as a secure foundation to attach the prosthesis.
For the overdenture, either ball abutments or a small bar between the abutments are used. The prosthesis is fitted with corresponding devices underneath.
Treatment sequence
With modern implants and techniques, we can at times place an implant immediately following an extraction and possibly even place a temporary crown at the same time. This means you will never be left without a tooth!
Although the procedure varies slightly from case to case, the basic sequence of events is illustrated below.
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Which system do you use?
We use Implantiumas it is a long establish company with excellent results from its implants. Additionally it is less expensive than the other major brands, which means we can pass this saving on to you.
Does it hurt?
Teeth are much harder and have a much better nerve supply than bone. Thus it is easier to make the mouth numb to do an implant than it is to do a filling or an extraction. Most implants these days are placed using local anaesthesia, although some dentists do offer treatment under sedation. The mouth may be sore for a few days but heals rapidly.
Do they last?
Implants placed by experienced dentists produce excellent long term results and have the potential to last indefinitely.
Do I need to see a specialist?
In the right hands implants provide a fantastic opportunity to replace missing teeth. Badly placed implants can produce a poor result and be very difficult to remove. It is essential that your dentist has adequate training and experience. Do not be afraid to ask your dentist how many implants they do. There is no specialist list for implant dentistry. The General Dental Council requires that dentists have adequate training to place implants and very few dental schools teach undergraduates how to place implants. Further training is required and readily available for the dentists.
Why Are Dental Implants So Expensive?
Provision of dental implants is a skilled procedure which requires extensive training, a lot of expensive kit and high material costs. There are several reasons why dental implants in the UK are so much more expensive than abroad. The main implant suppliers in the UK charge UK dentists more than they charge in Europe. They are very secretive about what they charge for their implants – try going onto their websites to find out what they cost - you can’t, as they do not show this information.
How much will it cost?
At aidp we try to keep our prices as low as we can in order to make the treatment affordable to more people. Prices vary depending on complexity. 0% finance is also available over 12 months.
In all instances, the initial implant consultation is complementary. Book now.