Implants

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What are implants?

Dental implants are usually made of titanium and have an internal screw called an abutment that holds a false tooth (or teeth) in place. After the implant is fitted, the bone surrounding it gradually grows and attaches to the implant, holding it firmly in place.

A single dental implant can support one, or several replacement teeth. Implants can also be used to support a full or partial set of dentures. Your dentist will carefully assess how many implants are needed in your circumstance.

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The Dental Implant Process

The process of having dental implants can vary quite a lot, so you need to discuss with your dentist what will happen in your case. The whole process of getting dental implants can take several months and involves one or more surgical procedures.

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Having dental implants typically involves several stages:

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• Placement of the implant into your jaw and attachment of the abutment (which holds the false teeth in place) to the implant. This will be a one- or two-stage procedure.

• Fusion of your new implant with the surrounding bone, which can take from six weeks to six months. You may be offered temporary artificial teeth (denture) to wear over this period.

• Construction and fitting of your new artificial teeth onto your implants.

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There are two other stages which may be involved in your dental implant treatment:

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• Tooth extraction (removal). If you have a problem with one of your teeth, the plan may be to

  remove the tooth and replace it with an implant. If that’s the case, your dentist will explain

  how this may affect the process and timescale of your treatment.

• Bone grafting. If you don’t have enough bone in your jaw to support your dental implant,

  your dentist can add new bone. This comes from elsewhere in your body, or can be from an

  animal source.

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Can anyone have Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable for most adults who are in good general health and have healthy gums. They aren’t suitable for children and young people under 18 because the underlying bones are still growing.

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Your dentist may not recommend dental implants if you:

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• are a smoker

• have had radiotherapy to your jaw area

• have diabetes which isn’t well-controlled

• have gum (periodontal) disease

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However, each case is different. Tell your dentist about any medical problems you have, and they’ll let you know if implants are an option for you.

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Are there alternative options to dental implants?

Alternatives to dental implants include:

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• removable dentures (false teeth) – plastic or metal frameworks that hold one or more false teeth

• a bridge – false teeth that are fixed onto the natural teeth on either side of the missing one

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Preparing for the dental implant

If you decide to go ahead with implants, you’ll have some X-rays. This is so your dentist can check the amount of bone in your jaw and how healthy it is. X-rays also show the position of other structures in your jawbone, such as your nerves. You may need to have a CT scan if the X-rays don’t provide enough information. Your dentist will use the images from these tests to decide where it’s best to place the implant.

If you smoke, your dentist will probably strongly encourage you to stop smoking for good. Smoking can make it less likely that your dental implants will be a success.
The process of having dental implants will involve one or more surgical procedures. Ask your dentist beforehand whether you’ll need to arrange for someone else to take you home afterwards.

Your dentist will talk to you about what will happen before, during, and after the procedure, and any pain you might have. It’s really important that you understand what to expect so you can decide whether to go ahead. Your dentist should go through the risks as well as the benefits. Think about any questions you want to ask – maybe write them down in advance so you don’t forget. You’re free to change your mind about having the procedure. If you decide to go ahead, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form.