IMPLANTS
An implant may be an option for you, if you are missing one or more teeth.
Almost everyone can have implant treatments - young and old alike.
However, there may be conditions in the individual situation that mean that an implant treatment is not always the best solution. But dont worry, then we can always find another good solution for you.
Having an examination by your dentist will help you and the dentist determine whether it is the right treatment for you.
An Implant consists of three parts: fixture, abutment and a supra-structure.
Timescale:
You will start start the process with an appointment for a pre-examination.
At this appointment we will make a clinical examination suppl. with x-rays. This will give us some information as a base for our further planning.
How is the bone structure in the area/the neighbouring teeth, is there enough space?
With this information we will get an idea of which size of fixture we will need.
What load should the fixture be able to take? What shall the fixture carry? Do we have to add some bone structure or is there already enough? How long do we have to wait for healing? How is your medical history? Are there any factors that we need to put into our planning.
We will send you out the clinic with a treatment-plan and we will give you an estimation of the price. You can now go home and think if this is the right treatment for you and then call us to make an appointment.
Insertion of the fixture:
The insertion of the fixture itself doesn't take long, but when you arrive, you will see the strict rules for sterilisation needed during the process, this all takes time.
The dentist will begin the process with sedation of the area. You will also be given some oral painkillers that will still be in effect after the primary sedation has worn off. You will then have to wash your mouth with chlorhexidine.
While all this is happening, two clinic assistants will prepare the clinic, install the sterilised instruments and make the room ready for the operation.
The dentist will open the gum and then prepare a small hole in the bone that exactly matches the fixture in length and diameter. the fixture is placed carefully and it direction is controlled and checked with x-ray and a measuring-pin. then we close up the gum with a pair of stiches.
After the operation there may be a little soreness but no direct pain.
The dentist will supply you with a smal bottle of chlorhexidine you should use the first week as mouthwash
We would advise you to continue taking the oral painkillers for the first four days.
Control and abutment:
After a period of healing, you will return to the clinic, where we will take an x-ray and perform a clinical examination to confirm that total healing of the bone structure around the fixture has occurred. If this is the case the dentist will lightly sedate the area, and open the gum so that the dentist can install a healing abutment into the fixture. The healing abutment will be level with the gum and form a shape over the following two weeks so that the gum can receive the supra-structure.
Impression for the supra-structure:
After these two weeks the dentist will make an impression for the supra-structure, which is most cases is a crown.
Supra-Strcuture:
After one week the supra-structure/crown is mounted on the fixture. The dentist will instruct you on how to best keep the area around the implant clean. Good oral hygiene is once again the major factor in longevity of the implant.
Other implant solutions and choices of material:
Implants; titanium and has a diameter of 3-5mm and a length of 9-13mm.
Crowns and bridges today are usually constructed using metal and ceramic.
In cases of multiple teeth replacement, it may be necessary to construct a frame in metal (titanium or cobolt chrome)
The choice of materials will depend on ;
If a front tooth replacement is required, material selection is primarily driven by high aesthetics, whereas replacement of a molar will be primarily driven by material strength.
If the missing teeth are replacing an existing denture, there is a possibility to install the new denture (or your existing dentures) onto a removable press lock system that attaches to the implant fixtures. This will provide more stabillity to the denture.
Your individual treatment will be agreed between you and the dentist taking into account your needs and wishes. Therefore you will be thoroughly informed before the treatment starts.
And it cannot be said enough:
Good oral hygiene will extend the implant lifetime. It is generally very important to maintain good oral hygiene, before, during and after the treatment process.
Studies have shown that the vast majority of all implants are still functioning more than ten years after they have been installed into the jaw. Tooth implants are therefore a solution you can enjoy for many,many years.
We have in our clinic chosen to work with the Camlog system. This system is german produced and has enjoyed a 100% error-free record in 25 years.
If you are considering an implant, please contact us, we would like to help you.
