Essex, England Cosmetic Dentistry - Sunny Smiles Dental Innovations - Cosmetic Dentist - Shenfield & Billericay Essex Implants
What is an implant ?
A dental implant is a metal rod that is placed in the jawbone to hold a false tooth in place. They are usually made of titanium, a metal that is well-tolerated by the body. Over several months, the bone fuses with the metal implant. A small attachment is left protruding through the gum, and dentures or bridges can be screwed or clipped onto this attachment. One implant can support one or more false teeth. Five or six implants are usually used to replace all the teeth in the jaw.
There are a number of reasons why you may choose to have implants.
Implants are an alternative to;
1. Conventional bridges
2. Partial dentures.
3. Loose Dentures -If you find that your denture moves around a lot in your mouth, implants may help to anchor the denture in place. When you lose teeth, your jawbone may start to shrink. Implants can help slow down this process. A Full denture can be secured by a minimum of only 2 implants in most cases. This not only secures the denture i can construct you a plate so small that you will feel as if you have all your own teeth again and feel, chew and taste that food you have missed out on.
Deciding on treatment
Dental implants have a high success rate. The surgery is commonly performed and is generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure. Give me a call or arrange to see me for a FREE CONSULTATION. Make a list of any questions you may have and I will assure you I will do my best to give you all the information you require to make an informed decision.
Any other alternatives?
You may choose to accept the space where a tooth is missing and do nothing. This however can cause problems later as the bone shrinks, teeth start to drift in awkward to clean and bite changing positions.
What is involved?
You may need to have an X-ray or a CT scan so that we can check the thickness of your jawbone and the position of other structures in your mouth. We are only of a handful of practices that have a CT scan and also act as a referral center for other implantologists. This 3D image enables me to place the implant PRECISELY in GOOD QUALITY bone enabling a more predictable and successful treatment. Implant surgery is usually carried out under local anesthesia in which case your mouth and the area around your mouth will be numb but you will stay awake. If you are nervous we have an antithesis medical practitioner who can safely sedate you for the surgery; this relieves anxiety and causes temporary relaxation without putting you to total sleep.
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This is how we put the smile back on this attractive young lady's face.
The missing teeth were carefully reconstructed and her smile re-constructed.
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I can also place the implant into the tooth socket directly after your tooth has been taken out and replace the root of the natural tooth straight away. Alternatively and a more successful method the implant can be placed into the jawbone a while after the tooth has been removed and the socket has healed.
Once the implant is in place, the gum will be stitched over it and the area will be left to heal. Stitches are usually reabsorbed over 7-14 days.
I may be able to attach artificial teeth on the same day you have the implant. Usually, however, you will need to wait for between three and six months while your mouth heals before it can be fitted. The healing process allows time for your jawbone to fuse securely with the surface of the implant.
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| Smile restored through implants and crowns. |
While your mouth is healing, I may fit a temporary bridge or partial denture so you can't see the spaces between your remaining teeth. If you have complete dentures, they can generally be adjusted so that you can wear them throughout this period.
After the procedure
After your mouth has healed, you may need to have a second, smaller surgical procedure to uncover the gum over the top of the implant. At this stage I will then fit your artificial teeth onto the implant. The teeth may be fixed permanently or be attached in a way that allows you to remove them for cleaning. I will ensure that they fit properly, match your other teeth and feel comfortable.
Possible Complications
The chance of complications depends on the type of procedure you are having and factors such as your general health. Complications can occur during or after the procedure. Most people aren't affected. The complications of any surgical procedure can include an unexpected reaction to the anesthetic or infection. You are likely to be prescribed antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of your implant becoming infected.
Your lower jaw contains nerves which supply feeling to your tongue, chin, lower lip and lower teeth. In a small number of people, the nerves in the lower jaw can become bruised during implant surgery. This may cause a tingling or numb feeling in your tongue, chin or lip. This is usually temporary, but in a small number of people this altered sensation may be permanent.
On very rare occasions, the jawbone doesn't fuse with the implant properly and the implant may become loose. If this happens our dentist will need to remove the failed implant and wait until the bone has healed before attempting to place another implant.
Most implants are very successful, but the crowns, bridges and dentures that the implants support can be damaged just like normal teeth - for example, as a result of an accident, break or chip. The crowns, bridges or dentures are generally easily replaced, providing the implant underneath isn't damaged.
Implants can last for many years but maintaining good oral hygiene is vital. To help maintain your implants you may have to spend more time than you did in the past thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth. Our dentist will give you specific advice on caring for your implants. He or she will ask you to attend regular check-ups, and will usually take X-ray images each year to check your implants are still secure.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
Reasons for dental implants:
Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
Restore a patient’s confident smile.
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
Restore or enhance facial tissues.
Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.
After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.