Dental Implants

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is typically a small screw shaped attachment usually made from titanium. It is inserted within the jaw bone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Once osseointegration (when the bone attaches firmly to the implant) has occurred, a replacement tooth can be secured to the top of the implant. The new tooth can look, feel and function just like a natural tooth. It is also possible to use multiple implants to support a denture or a bridge. 

Treatment Stages for Conventional Implants

• Initial evaluation and planning.

• Preparatory procedures.

• Possible healing period.

• Implant placement.

• The settling in stage of four to eight months.

• Follow up review appointments.

• Restorative or denture stages, which may include the fitting of crowns or bridges, or the attachment of dentures to the implants.

• Trial use phase.

• Progress review and maintenance appointments.

• Upgrading stages.

Dental Implants » Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth

Reason 1 : Drift & Overeruption

When a tooth is missing, drift and overeruption can take place. Food traps are created and can lead to a build up of plaque. If these teeth are not kept clean, this will cause dental decay, resulting in loss of further teeth. 

Reason 2 : Bone Changes after Extraction

When teeth have been missing for some time, the bone and gums can begin to change shape. This can affect surrounding teeth.

Reason 3 : Ridge Preservation

Once a tooth is lost, the bone and gum will begin to recede. If you later decide to have an Implant fitted this bone recession may mean that the Implant would sit too high or the Crown would sit too low for your 'bite'. A material can be inserted into the cavity to encourage bone re-growth. Over time, this will provide a sufficient amount of bone to support the Implant

What is involved in the Implant Treatment?

The implant treatment normally involves several steps that take place over a period of time from three to nine months. Although there are various implant treatment methods, a typical process often includes: 

(A)  Assessment and planning: at the initial consultation, after discussing possible alternatives, Dr. Elmanharawy will assess the feasibility of providing implant treatment. X ray may be taken and preliminary models may be prepared. A written plan is then formulated detailing the sequence of treatment and associated cost.

(B) Implant placement: a relatively simple minor surgical procedure that must be performed in a sterile environment under local anaesthesia and if required, intra venous sedation. If after assessment the underlying bone is judged to be deficient, a number of options are a available for bone regeneration. This may be carried out prior to, or at the same time as, the implant placement

(C) Integration period: although some implants can be loaded into function immediately or soon after surgery, it is often suggested that a period of three months or more be allowed for the implant to fully integrate before loading. The patient’s own denture or in some cases a simple adhesive bridge can be worn during this healing phase.

(D) Restorative Phase: Once integrated the implants may need to be uncovered and can be brought into function with a variety of restorations, ranging from a single crown, small or large bridge, or if preferred, a removable over denture c lipped to the implants.

(E) Maintenance: Following the completion of implant treatment, patients need to clean thoroughly around the implants as instructed by our dental hygienists. Patients should attend for regular review so that the health of the soft tissue bone levels and the integrity of the restoration can be checked

(F) Same Day Implants: this technique is most often used to treat the lower jaw and requires considerable planning before the actual day of surgery. Several implants are installed and a few hours later a complete arch of temporary or permanent  teeth can be fixed in place. Not all patients are suitable for this type of implant treatment.

(G) Immediate Implant: for this technique a tooth is removed and an implant placed immediately into the extraction socket depending upon the local bone and soft  tissue conditions, the implant surgery may be one or two-stage procedure. Not all patients are suitable for this approach.

Dental Implants » Your Questions Answered

Will I be able to eat what I like afterwards?

Once completed, patients should be able to eat a normal healthy diet with no difficulty. 

What costs are involved in implant treatment?

The cost can vary, depending on the degree and extent of treatment required. The full cost is therefore explained and subsequently confirmed in a written treatment  plan. 

How long will the implants last?

Once treatment is completed, a routine careful dental hygiene and regular checkups should ensure that implants last for many years. 

Am I too old for implant treatment?

There is no upper age limit for patients to undergo implant treatment, provided they continue to enjoy reasonable good health 

Is the treatment painful?

Patients are often surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after implant procedures.