Dental implants have become an important option for those experiencing tooth loss or with missing teeth, offering a permanent, natural-looking, and highly functional replacement. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, understanding what they are and how they work can help you make an informed decision about this advanced dental treatment.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made from titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They serve as anchors for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, to be secured to and supported, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.

What Are They?

They are small, threaded posts that replace the root of a missing tooth. Typically made from biocompatible titanium, these posts are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The jawbone fuses with them over a few months, a process known as “osseointegration”, creating a strong and stable foundation for a replacement artificial tooth to be attached.

How Long Following Tooth Loss Can An Implant Be Placed?

Occasionally, it is possible to place an implant at the time of extraction, but more typically, a period of 10-12 weeks is needed for healing and for any residual infection to clear following extraction.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The process of getting implants involves several stages. Below is an overview of what you can expect from start to finish when considering what they are and how they’re placed.

1. Initial Consultation: Assessing Candidacy for Implants

The first step is a consultation where your dentist will assess your oral health. They’ll check your gums, jawbone quantity and density, and overall suitability for implants. They will also take X-rays or scans to better understand the structure of your teeth and jawbone. Occasionally, it may be necessary to graft either bone or gum ahead of implant placement. Every case is assessed individually.

2. Surgical Placement of the Implant

The implant procedure begins with the surgical placement of the titanium post into the jawbone. The procedure is generally performed under local anaesthesia. Sedation may be offered in certain circumstances to help you feel more comfortable.

3. Healing and Osseointegration

Following surgery, you’ll enter a healing phase that can last between three and six months. During this time, the bone and implant fuse together through osseointegration, creating a solid base for the artificial tooth. During this period, it is important not to place any functional load on the healing implant before integration is complete.

4. Attaching the Artificial Tooth

Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, an impression or scan is made of the implant(s) to register the position in the bone in readiness for an artificial tooth or teeth to be custom-made in the laboratory. Finally, the replacement tooth or teeth are securely attached, restoring functionality and appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Implants offer a range of benefits compared to other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges. Here’s why they are a popular choice:

1. Natural Look and Feel

They are designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. The custom-made replacement teeth blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, ensuring a natural-looking smile.

2. Long-Lasting and Durable

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a very long time or even a lifetime. They replace teeth without having a detrimental impact on the rest of the dentition. They work without the reliance on adjacent teeth that a bridge or denture would require. A denture, in particular, tends to speed up the loss of other teeth by harbouring bacteria around them and placing unhelpful forces.

3. Prevention of Bone Loss

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to deteriorate. Implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the bone through loading, keeping it strong and intact.

4. Improved Functionality and Comfort

Implants restore full functionality to your mouth. They allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, and because they’re anchored into the jawbone, they’re much more stable and comfortable than a removable denture could ever be.

Risks and Potential Complications: Understanding What Could Go Wrong

While implants are generally safe, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. Here are the potential complications:

1. Infection

Infection at the implant site is a potential risk after surgery. To minimise the chance of infection, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions closely and maintain excellent oral hygiene.

2. Nerve Damage

Though rare, nerve damage can occur if the implant is placed too close to a nerve. This can result in numbness, tingling, or pain in the gums, lips, or chin. A full and in-depth assessment of the case is essential prior to implant placement to minimise the risks.

3. Implant Failure

Dental implants can fail due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain health conditions and unfavourable, very high biting forces. To avoid complications, it’s crucial to take care of your implants and attend regular dental checkups. Although implants cannot be subject to dental decay, they are susceptible to gum disease (peri-implantitis). A patient with implants should maintain a rigorous daily oral hygiene routine and attend the dental hygienist for deep cleaning every 3-4 months.

Key Maintenance Tips

Proper care is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your implants. Here are some tips for maintaining your implants:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss around your implants to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the implant.

2. Visit Your Dentist and Hygienist Regularly

Routine dental checkups and sessions with the dental hygienist are crucial for monitoring and maintaining the health of your implants, as well as addressing any issues early. Your dental hygienist will clean thoroughly around the implant at each visit, helping to prevent infection.

3. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. To ensure the success of your implants, try to quit or reduce smoking.

4. Use a Night Guard if Necessary

If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a custom night guard to protect your implants from excessive pressure.

Is This Treatment Right for You?

The next step is to evaluate if implants are the right choice for you. Ideal candidates for implants have:

• Healthy gums.
• Sufficient jawbone density.
• Overall good health.

If you have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or gum disease, your dentist may need to address these issues before you can proceed. Certain medications including some bone density increasing medications, can interfere with implant integration in the bone.

A thorough consultation with your dentist will provide the best insight into whether they are right for you.

Final Thoughts

This treatment is an excellent solution for those looking to restore their smile, improve function, and boost confidence. If you’re considering what dental implants are and whether they’re the right option for you, it’s essential to choose a skilled and experienced dentist to guide you through the process.

At 38 Devonshire Street, you can expect professional care tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced dental professionals is committed to providing the highest standard of care to ensure your dental implant procedure is a success.

If you’re ready to explore whether dental implants are the right choice for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthier, brighter smile!