dental implants - frequently asked questions
Q. What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which is placed in the upper or lower jawbone. The implant acts as a root to support crowns, bridges or dentures to replace one or more missing teeth.
Q. How long will implants last?
With routine check ups and the following of home care instructions as advised by your dentist, implants should last a life time.
Q. What is the success rate of implants?
The success rate is 98.4% in a healthy person.
Q. How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of a single implant is usually between £2.200 and £2,500. This is split between implant placement and the final restoration. After careful treatment planning your dentist will be able to advise you on how many implants you may need and estimate the cost involved.
Be driven by the benefits not cost!
Q. How can I tell if I am healthy enough to have dental implants?
Generally speaking, if a person has good health and is able to undergo surgery for routine bridgework or routine tooth extractions, the same person can receive dental implants. If the patient is taking any form of medication they should notify their dentist. There are very few medical conditions that would prevent you from having an implant.
Q. Is the placement of implants painful?
No, implant placement is a very gentle procedure normally carried out under a local anaesthetic. In surgical terms, it is similar to a wisdom tooth removal.
Q. How long will the procedure take?
Approximately 30 minutes for each implant placed.
Q. Will I experience pain after the procedure?
There may be some slight discomfort and perhaps swelling for a short period which can be relieved with painkillers. Patients are often prescribed antibiotics for their comfort as a precaution.
Q. How will the dentist know if the implant has worked?
In the rare case of an implant not integrating with the bone, the implant will have slight movement which the dentist will be able to detect.
Q. What will happen if the implant fails?
In most cases the implant would be replaced. Your dentist would advise you based on the clinical factors involved.
Q. Will I have to pay for the implant again?
Usually no, but this will be at your dentist's discretion as this decision will be dependent on the clinical circumstances.
Q. How long does the whole implant procedure take?
3-9 months as a general guideline. Your dentist will provide a full treatment plan and a more accurate time scale.
Q. Can I have implants on the national health?
As a general rule no.
Q. How soon can I return to work after implant placement?
Normally after 24 hours. Your dentist will advise you - this really depends on each individual case.
Q. Do implants require special care?
Like natural teeth and gums, implants need a good oral hygiene program and regular checks by your dentist. You will be given full instruction by your dentist on how to look after your final restoration.
Follow up care:
You will need to see the hygienist at regular intervals following completion of the implant as advised by your dentist.
Good oral hygiene is the key to the long term success of your dental implants.
Q. What benefits are there to having dental implants?
- The most natural way to replace missing teeth.
- It's your third set of teeth.
- No dentures to remove at night.
- Removes the need to damage adjacent teeth as in bridge preparation.
- Freedom to choose from a restaurant menu.
- Implants look and feel like natural teeth.
- Improves chewing ability.
- Greater confidence to socialise.
- Implants prevent bone loss.
- Implants are more permanent then conventional crowns and bridges.
For patients who have no remaining teeth the alternatives are:
- Removable upper and lower dentures.
- Implants which secure their dentures in place.
- Implants which support crowns of bridges.
- No teeth at all.
For patients who have some of their own teeth the alternatives are:
- Crowns and bridges supported by implants and/or teeth.
- Partial dentures secured by implants and/or teeth.
- Bridges supported by teeth.
- Crowns supported by a post.
Q. What is the procedure for implant placement.
Step 1 :
- Examination and diagnosis including full mouth x-rays and study models.
Step 2 :
- Stage 1 surgery- Implants are placed in bone.
- There may be some swelling which will disappear within 4 to 7 days.
- Sutures (stitches) need to be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery (unless they are resorbable). Healing in the mouth is usually very quick.
- A fluid diet is recommended for the first week; then a softer diet is recommended for a few weeks after. This is particularly important if a temporary denture is being worn.
- Implants will integrate within 2 to 6 months.
- Dentures may need to be modified in this time.
Step 3 :
- Stage 2 surgery - Implants are exposed.
- Implants are checked to make sure they are osseo-integrated (that the bone has grown around them to keep them firmly in place).
- A small cap (healing abutment) is placed on top of the implant to allow the gum to heal around it.
- check x-rays are taken.
- Impressions are taken for the final prosthesis (crowns, bridges or dentures).
- Sutures need to be removed within 7 to 10 days.
Step 4 :
- Final crowns, bridges or dentures are completed and placed onto implants.
In some instances second stage surgery is not required. One stage surgery is dependent on high primary stability of implant. Where possible, one stage surgery saves the patient having to have a surgical procedure for a second time.
Contra-indications to treatment.
- Time Patients are encouraged to continue their normal activities, even if it involves travelling out of the area or even out of the country during the implant treatment. Usually the longest period of time you will need to stay close to the surgery is the time immediately after the implant placement, usually 2 to 3 days after surgery, and 10 days after surgery in order to have sutures removed. It is important that neither the patient nor the dentist attempt to rush implant treatment. If a patient hasn't got the time available, then it may be more sensible to consider implant treatment when the patient has more time.
- Money
- Pain The after effects of having implants placed are usually very mild. They may include slight bruising, dull ache, and swelling, the amount of which will vary depending upon the number of implants placed. Antibiotics will be prescribed for the patients comfort. These symptoms should disappear within a few days.
