What is it?
An implant is a titanium post that is placed into and biologically fuses with the
jawbone to replace the root or roots of 1 or more missing teeth. This is as close as you can get to having a natural tooth back.
How long does it take?
The treatment usually involves several appointments. We will assess the available bone in which to place the implant. If more bone is required, the first appointment is usually a simple bone addition procedure which would require a few months to mature.
Once sufficient bone is present, the implant(s) can be placed into the bone. The implant(s) usually need 4-6 months to then fuse to the jawbone. You would usually have a temporary false tooth for this period.
Once the implant has fused, your prosthetic tooth/teeth can be manufactured and fitted.
From start to finish, the treatment usually takes between 4 and 10 months. What does the procedure involve?
Before implant treatment commences, we will need to complete preparatory work, which may include X-rays, impressions, photographs and, in more complex cases, CT scans.
We will ensure you have all the information and time you need before deciding whether to proceed with the treatment.
Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and implant placement procedures typically take between 1 and 3 hours depending on complexity.
Having implants placed involves a minor surgical procedure, where the gum is incised and lifted off the jawbone.
A channel is prepared in the jawbone into which the implant is fitted, before the gum is stitched back over or around the implant.
It usually takes around 4 months for the jawbone to fuse to the implant, after which the prosthetic tooth/teeth can be manufactured and fitted. If desired, an interim false tooth can be fitted for the 4 month healing period.
What can implants be used for?
Dental implants can be used to support prosthetic teeth which are either fixed or removable, depending on your choice.
Dental implants for fixed prosthetic teeth:
Implants can be used to replace any number of fixed prosthetic teeth from a single unit to a full arch, which are screwed or cemented onto the implant(s). A full arch of teeth can be supported on 5 or more implants. Having fixed prosthetic teeth on dental implants is the closest available substitute for natural teeth.
Dental implants for removable prosthetic teeth:
Implants can be used to support removable full upper or lower dentures, by incorporating clips in the dentures which fit on the
implants. As few as 2 implants can help to retain a loose denture, or 4-6 implants can give a very securely-fitting denture.
How long do they last?
Dental implants have the highest success rate of any type of dental treatment. Studies show that up to 95% of implants will last for more than 20 years. Any failures would usually occur within the first 2 years. After this, it is extremely unusual to have problems with the implant itself, although the prosthetic tooth on top of the implant may need to be renewed from time to time.
For the most frequently used alternative – a bridge, around 50% last for more than 10 years. Despite their impressive record, it can never be guaranteed that a given implant will be successful. Beware anyone who tells you otherwise!
Who carries out my treatment?
Andy Berwick is the implant dentist at Market Place Dentistry. Andy completed a 12-month implant training course conducted by Dr Eugene Marais and specialist Professor Paul Tipton. Andy has a keen interest in placing and restoring dental implants, is very proud of his work and will go to great lengths to ensure your treatment is carried out to the highest possible standard.
At Market Place Dentistry we can usually provide all your dental implant treatment from start to finish and aftercare. For patients referred to us from other practices, your dentist may request that we place the implants and that the prosthetic teeth are fitted at your own practice. For some complex procedures such we may enlist the help of a specialist oral surgeon.
For more information on anything in this leaflet, please visit our website at www.marketplacedentistry.co.uk
Timelines
Usually, straightforward implant treatment can be completed within 6 months (see timeline below). This is the case for most patients where up to 6 teeth are replaced with a fixed bridge.
Sometimes, a graft is needed to enhance the quantity of bone available to place an implant. This may be the case if insufficient bone is present, or if a pre-existing infection is present. We will tell you if this is likely before your implant treatment commences. The graft takes 4 months to mature and is placed before the placement of implants.
For more complex cases (e.g. replacing a full arch of missing teeth) the final impressions and fitting stage may take several appointments and up to 3 months, taking the maximum timescale for some patients up to a year. Rarely would treatment take more than a year from start to finish.
Stage Time from start (months)
Consultation 0
Preliminary X-rays, impressions, treatment planning 0 Surgical placement of implants 1 Review appointment to check healing 2 Impressions for prosthetic tooth/teeth 5 Fitting of prosthetic tooth/teeth 6
Stage Time from start (months)
Consultation 0
Preliminary X-rays, impressions, treatment planning 0 Surgical placement of bone graft 1 Review appointment to check healing 2 Surgical placement of implants 5 Review appointment to check healing 6 Impressions for prosthetic tooth/teeth 9 Fitting of prosthetic tooth/teeth 10
FAQs
Can anybody have dental implants?
Implants are suitable for the vast majority of adults. They can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, so they are suitable for anything from a single missing tooth to a full arch of missing teeth.
There are some situations which may require preliminary work before placing implants (e.g. if more bone needs to be made available), and some conditions which either mean we need to take special precautions during treatment, or which may increase the risk of implant failure. If any of these are applicable to you, we will inform you before you go ahead with any treatment. It is extremely rare that implants are not a viable option. Are implants very expensive?
The cost of implant treatment varies between cases, and you will be given a full estimate before your treatment starts. Implants are typically more expensive than the alternative treatments (e.g. bridge or denture) but will almost always last significantly longer with less risk of complications. Because of this, over the long term, implants are often less expensive than other treatments
How do I look after my implants?
It is important that implants are looked after just as well (if not more so) than your natural teeth. For single-tooth replacements, this means good brushing and interdental cleaning as normal. For multiple-tooth restorations, specific home-cleaning techniques are usually recommended, and we will demonstrate these to you.
Implants need to be well maintained to minimise the risk of any problems in future. This usually means visiting the hygienist regularly for thorough cleaning, and sometimes wearing a soft biteguard overnight to protect the implant from biting forces (most people will clench their teeth to some degree when sleeping, even if they are not aware of it)
Is it painful to have implants placed?
The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic and is not painful. For the next day or so, normal painkillers are usually effective enough to ensure any discomfort does not affect you. Usually, we would advise you to take it easy for the rest of the day after a surgical procedure. In most cases, you would feel well enough to work the following day, although some patients choose to take the following day off as a precaution.
Some of our work:
This lady has a 4-tooth bridge supported by 3 dental implants to replace her 4 front teeth. Her treatment took 5 months from start to finish.
This lady’s missing molar tooth has been replaced with an implant-supported crown
This lady has a 4-tooth bridge supported by 3 implants to replace missing teeth on her upper left side. Her treatment took 5 months
This gentleman has a 3-tooth bridge supported by 2 implants to replace missing teeth on his lower left side.
