At Revitalise Dental Centre, we are seeing more patients than ever choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are completely safe and offer patients the chance to renew their dentition, both physically and cosmetically.
Many patients choose implants for the longevity and because they offer a better quality of life than other treatment options. With the safety and benefits that come with having dental implants, it is easy to see why so many patients choose to have dental implants fitted.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are used to replace a tooth or teeth that are missing due to either impact or decay. It is considered the best and most efficient treatment option to create a natural function, look and feel and it will often provide a long-term solution to tooth loss.
Dental implants are a straightforward and routine procedure; the implant comprises of a titanium ‘root’ in the gum and a ceramic crown which replicates the original tooth. The look is natural and should mimic natural teeth not just cosmetically, but physically; providing the patient with the ability to eat and drink as if they had the original natural live tooth.
At Revitalise, we use a CopaSky implant. CopaSky implants are suitable even for those with very little bone density. All the crowns are created at Dental Precision, our award winning, on-site laboratory. Having an on-site laboratory makes it easier for our dentists to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care whilst you are treated at Revitalise Dental Centre.
Why might I need dental implants?
Dental implants are a popular alternative for patients with missing teeth. You might choose to have dental implants following an accident which has caused tooth loss, or where the tooth cannot be recovered, leaving a gap. A dental implant will not only close this gap but can prevent the teeth from moving and causing further oral issues.
You may also choose dental implants if you have suffered from significant tooth decay and wish to restore your teeth. Not only are dental implants a cosmetic solution to missing teeth, but they provide vital support for overall oral health, with many patients choosing dental implants as they offer a viable solution to living a normal life after tooth loss.
How do dental implants support oral health?
When you have missing teeth, your overall oral health is affected. Dental implants can offer support to your overall oral health by maintaining your facial structure and preventing bone loss and teeth from moving around the mouth.
Dental Implants Maintain Your Face Structure
Tooth loss causes the jawbone to weaken. As this happens, the structure and shape of your face begins to change. Dental implants will not only maintain the jawbone but can also strengthen it.
They Look And Feel Natural
Dental implants are not only designed to replicate the look of your natural teeth but also the function. Many people find that once they have had dental implants fitted, they can return to eating normal foods and regain the function of their mouth as if they had their natural teeth.
Dental Implants Are Fixed
Unlike dentures which are removable false teeth, dental implants remain securely in place without the need of an adhesive or clasps. This means that teeth can function as normal and removes the suffering of moving dentures, allowing you to eat a more varied diet without the worry of dentures slipping out of place.
Dental Implants Are a Long-term Solution
Dental implants are designed to last long term and with the correct maintenance dental implants can last up to 20 years. However, just like your adult teeth, they will last as long as you care for them. You will need to look after your dental implants the same way you would your natural teeth.
You may find certain areas difficult to clean to begin with. Your dental hygienist will support you with techniques and educate you in how to maintain your oral health to its optimum level. Correctly cleaning your dental implants is crucial to avoiding issues that you would get with your natural teeth, such as gum disease.
The Initial Consultation
Before your dental implant treatment, you will have a consultation, during which the dental implant process will be explained and there will be a chance to ask any questions you might have about treatment. During this consultation your dental practitioner will talk to you about:
- Treatment stages for dental implants
- Recovery and healing timescales
- Finance and cost options
- Any concerns or worries you have about the procedures
Your dental practitioner will assess your overall oral health, including your teeth, gum and bones and it may be necessary to take some x-rays. This will allow your dentist to discern as to whether any further treatment is needed to support your implants.
Are dental implants safe for patients who have experienced bone loss?
With the advances in modern technology, dental implants are suitable to almost all patients. In some cases, this might mean that an additional procedure may need to be completed to strengthen the jawbone.
This procedure is completely safe and is a routine part of dental implant treatment. If the bone has reabsorbed, bone can be placed in a separate procedure prior to the implants being placed. There are several ways in which this can be achieved and your dental practitioner will advise as to which treatment is suitable.
What is a Bone Graft?
When the jawbone is missing bone density and volume, the jawbone can be rebuilt around the implants by adding bone. At Revitalise, we have several options to choose from. In some cases, you may have a preference as to which material is used, but your dental practitioner will advise as to which material would be best for you.
- Bovine – demineralised cow bone, which is the most commonly used.
- Synthetic – man made particulate, suitable for vegans.
- Allograft – the patient’s own bone, taken from other parts of the mouth.
What is a Sinus Lift?
Sometimes dental implants cannot be placed due to a lack of bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw. If this is the case, you will likely need a sinus lift. Unlike a bone graft, this process does not rebuild the jawbone, rather adds bone volume in the sinus space.
As with a bone graft procedure, there are several options for the material used to add this volume and we will discuss the options available. Undergoing a bone graft or sinus lift procedure has been shown to greatly increase the success rate of implants if there are abnormalities in the jaw.
How are dental implants fitted?
Once your jaw is ready to begin the procedure, our expert team will begin the process of fitting your implants and crowns.
First, the titanium implant will be fitted; this is the screw which holds the crown in place. In some cases, it may be possible to fit the crown immediately. For other patients, it may be necessary to allow a few weeks before fitting the crown. This usually takes around three weeks and during this time we will take moulds of your mouth and our technicians will create your crowns at our on-site laboratory.
During the implant procedure, we a combination of IV sedation and local anaesthetic to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible during treatment.
Our technicians will work from moulds of healthy teeth, photographs and shades taken of your teeth to create natural looking crowns which compliment your mouth and reinvent your smile. When the titanium root has fused with your jawbone and your gums have healed you will be invited back for another appointment to fit the crown.
Will I Need a Single Implant for Each Tooth?
Where you might need multiple teeth replaced, we may not need to fit each tooth with an individual implant. If healthy teeth are still present, it may be possible to fit an implant supported bridge. This will reduce the number of surgically placed implants needed.
Even in the case of a full set of 32 replacement teeth being required it is not necessary to fit individual implants. There are several ways for us to replace missing teeth and this will depend on how many teeth need to be replaced and the best approach for the patient.
Single Tooth Implant
When you only have one tooth missing this can be replaced with an individual implant. This is the best treatment option available to not only restore the functionality of the missing tooth, but to support the health of the neighbouring teeth and preserve the jawbone.
Implant Supported Bridge
An implant supported bridge can fill multiple gaps in your mouth with minimal surgically placed implants. For example, if you have three teeth missing in a row you will not have an implant placed in the middle, only within the neighbouring gaps.
Full Set
When all lower and upper teeth need replacing, you may choose a full set of implants. Even if you have a few teeth remaining the best option may be to remove them. Although most adults have 32 teeth this does not mean you will need to have 32 implants placed.
Lower jaws need a minimum of two implants and the upper jaw requires a minimum of four. It is not uncommon for the upper jaw to require more implants due to the fact that the bone is softer compared to the lower jaw. You will still be able to achieve the look of having a full set of teeth.
Will The Dental Implant Procedure Hurt?
Placing an implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time but, just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery.
For those patients who may be nervous about treatment, or where treatment may be a little more complicated, we also offer the option of IV sedation.
How long does the whole process take?
The length of treatment will depend on the treatment needed and the state of your oral health prior to treatment. If additional procedures such as a bone graft and sinus lift are necessary, then this could extend the treatment period.
To replace a single tooth with a single implant the whole process can take as little as 12 weeks. If further surgical procedures are required to enhance implant support, this can extend the treatment period up to 1 year.
After Care for Dental Implants
After your dental implants have been fitted, you may feel some soreness. During this time, you may want to avoid foods which irritate your mouth. Many people find that eating softer foods during this time is a good way to help with healing.
You should care for your implants in the same way as you would with natural teeth. Brushing twice daily with a soft bristled brush, using interdental floss and using a low abrasive toothpaste will ensure that your dental implants last as long as they should and will prevent any further oral health problems.
Is it safe to eat all foods with dental implants?
Once your dental implants have healed it is safe to eat all kinds of foods. Unlike other teeth replacement options such as dentures, many patients find that they can return to eating their favourite foods as if they had a set of healthy natural teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Just like natural teeth, you should take care of your dental implants. Maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine and attending regular maintenance appointments will have an impact on how long they will last.
If you do not look after your implants, they will develop a coating similar to that found on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort, as they would if you did not care for natural teeth.
Dental Implants at Revitalise Dental Centre
We believe in giving our patients as much information about their treatments as possible, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care.
That is why we have created a handy and comprehensive Dental Implant Download Guide which explains in more detail what dental implants are and how they can offer you a comfortable and natural-looking smile.
If you have been considering getting dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth, our team are on hand to guide you through the process. If you have any questions about the treatment process or your overall oral health, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
You can call us on 01872 555 911 or send an email to [email protected] and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
