Dental implants are one option for replacing missing teeth. Quite often bridges and dentures are also recommended to replace missing teeth. Unfortunately bridgework may necessitate having to alter healthy tooth tissue to accommodate for a bridge, thus weakening natural tooth further. A denture is removable, and this is often bothersome to some patients. Due to poor fit, dentures may become unstable, leading to sores and discomfort. This instability can also create a lack of confidence due to not knowing when dentures might embarrassingly slip out of place. Having assessed your particular needs, your dentist may recommend dental implants as a tooth replacement solution.
Your dentist can have a friendly discussion with you about dental implants. Should you be interested, a thorough examination will be carried out to assess the suitability for dental implants. This includes determining the amount of available and stable bone mass in your jaw, and locating positions of anatomical structures, perhaps using a CT-scan to aid the planning phase.
As always, your treatment options and choices will be discussed with you beforehand, and a treatment plan letter will be provided. You will have the opportunity to come and discuss this with your implant surgeon before commencing treatment. Dental implants may be recommended as replacement for one or more of your teeth, depending on the circumstances.
When one loses a tooth, two parts of a tooth need to be replaced: the root (under the gum) and crown (above the gum).
Don’t wait too long to discuss your tooth replacement options with us as the available bone in your jaw that is necessary for dental implants will become susceptible to bone atrophy (break down) and can become unsuitable for implants. Part of your consultation examination will involve determining if you have sufficient jaw bone density, strength and mass to support and sustain dental implants.
Placement of the tiny titanium “root” is performed using delicately precise surgical techniques. You will be comfortable throughout the dental implant process as your dentist will administer local anaesthesia and the area shall be completely numb. You may also choose to have intravenous sedation to make you more relaxed if you are nervous. Once your implanted “root” is in place, it will need 3-6 months for the process of osseointegration (bonding to bone) to take place. Your dentist will determine if a temporary replacement tooth can be set on the implant immediately or if a temporary bridge or denture would be preferable.
Dental Implants are a tooth replacement option that offers you a nearly natural experience. It uses the colour-matched tooth to the titanium root bonded to your jaw bone to offer the functionality and look of your natural teeth. Once in place, your dental implant becomes a fully functional, very close replacement for your lost tooth with root, natural colour ,and strength, but not an exact replica. The implant does not “depend” on other teeth, as a bridge or denture might; and neither does it weaken its environment.
As with your natural teeth, gum tissue supporting your dental implant can suffer from gum diseases. However, with proper care and cleaning, plus routine check-ups, your dental implant and replacement tooth can last for many years. Patients have been known to enjoy the benefits of their dental implants for many years, with diligent care.
At Oatlands Dental Lounge, we use only the finest implant systems, manufacturers and labs known for their excellence, long term reputation, good aftercare and international use. We predominantly use Straumann and Astra implant systems, which deliver proven, reliable performance.
Your dentist will always carefully discuss your tooth replacement options and how each will affect your daily life and functionality. During your treatment consultation you will be encouraged to openly speak of your concerns so we may ensure you are completely comfortable with and informed about your treatment.
Dr Neil Paryani BDS (Hons.) MJDF RCS (Eng), MClinDent (FRP Lond) FICOI MSc (Dental Implantology)
Dr Poonam Paryani BDS (Lond) MJDF RCS (Eng), Cert (Rest Dent Lond)
