Frequently asked questions:

Implants offer and alterative replacement option for missing teeth when traditional dentures and bridges may be more destructive and less ideal for your situation. Often people describe dental implants are more convenient, attractive, functional, and comfortable than dentures. As they feel there biting and chewing is relatively similar to normal teeth. Unlike conventional dental bridges this replacement option does not require reshaping and removing healthy tooth structure of neighbouring teeth. They can help reduce the bone loss in the jaw. They can help prevent teeth movement of neighbouring teeth as well as averting collapsed cheeks.

Dental problems need to be addressed before implant placement. This is because implants are a big procedure and you want them to be successful. However, it is not great to have one good artificial tooth when your other teeth surrounding this tooth is falling apart or disease occurring. In terms of active gum disease this has been showed to affect the longevity of the implant. This putting out small fires when they arise is not great for long term management and getting the most out of your teeth and smile. It is better to identify any problems before they become fires and then control these or remove them so they can be incorporated into a better design for the future that will last longer. For example, if you have bruxism (grinding) it is better to know this before implant placement so the oral health practitioner can design the implant to accommodate this, or supply you with a personalised mouth guard (splint). This type of treatment planning is better for your overall care and the longevity of the implant

The goal of a dental implant is to have integration between the implant & your jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration. It is what allows the implant to stay strong & functional. In order for this to happen, it takes time for the body to add bone around the implant. Just like placing a trellis (a metal frame) in the ground for the plant to grow up is not as strong as allowing time for the vine to grow around it. The vines add strength & stability to the metal frame. This is similar to implants &the bone. Waiting for the bone to grow gives better support to the implant. Therefore, it is better to wait for the foundation to have a stronger hold(click here to see the picture above)

The short answer is no, not exactly. Both the function and appearance will be different to your natural teeth and it may take time to get used to this. It is a made device that is trying to replicate a biological masterpiece that has taken billions of years to develop. Your oral health practitioner will try their best to produce results that are like the natural teeth. However, the outcome is heavily dependent on the case. Some crowns and implants can be difficult because of the location of the implant placement, the bite force applied, your health, your commitment to oral hygiene, and the amount of bone. These are a few factors influencing whether not the outcome is less than you the imagined. As a result, it is important you express your concerns and expectations with your oral health practitioner so that can clarify and provide a realistic understanding of the limitations and benefits of this procedure.

This is because the success of the procedure and recovery after dental implant placement can be affected by the medications and conditions that you may have. Therefore, tell the dentist all your medications that you take every day, month, and year as well as any conditions that you have been diagnosed with. In particular for implants, it is especially important you inform your oral health practitioner if you are taking the following medications or have the follow conditions:

Medications that affect the Bone (bisphosphonates, denosumab (Prolia)).
Blood thinning medications such as aspirin, warfarin, heparin, dabigatran, or any other types.
If you are a smoker.

Have Diabetes either type 1 or type 2
Have had Facial radiotherapy
Have Haemophilia or any other kind of blood condition
Have suffered heavy bleeding following surgery or bruising after an injury
Have had Rheumatic Fever
Have had Heart surgery or any Heart problems
Have had an allergic reaction to antibiotics, anaesthetic drugs, pain killers or any other medication
If you have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and taking any medication related to this.
Have had any condition involving long term treatment with steroids
If you been diagnosed with Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
If you are pregnant

This depends heavily on the risk that the oral health practitioner and yourself as the patient are willing to take on. As most of these increase the risk of the implant failing. As a result, some people may be advised to avoid or delay having implants for the following reasons.

No, in fact it is more likely to be the opposite. As it is an artificial tooth it no longer has a pulp which is the nerve and blood supply of the tooth nor does it have periodontal ligaments (which are like the shock absorbers of the tooth). These both usually communicate with the brain to alert you something is wrong or be careful if you do that you might break something. As a result, you must be extra careful and diligent with cleaning. Peri-implantitis (which is gum disease of the implant) is one of the main reasons why implants fail. Implants must be cleaned every day, so they stay free of dental plaque. Regular check-ups and maintenance with your oral health practitioner will help improve the chances of success and longevity. If you are unable to continue rigorous cleaning, inform your oral health practitioner as they can help to guide you with options to make this easier.

Care should be like what is done after a tooth extraction. Therefore, you may find it easier to follow the same instructions. Patients should avoid strenuous activity, rest at home, consume soft foods, and they should do not have alcohol especially while taking medications. (click here to see post extraction instructions)

Type 1 timing is an immediate implant. This means that as soon as the tooth is taken out the implant is then placed. Remember this is the implant screw placement, it does not always mean that the crown prosthesis placed at the same time sometimes it does. But both cases are case selective. You must have certain characteristics and factors for this option to be viable to get an optimal outcome. Do not worry your local oral health practitioner will help assess if this is a viable option for you. This method does reduce the number of surgical procedures and overall treatment timeframe. However, the downside is that the bone has not had time to heal so the placement on the implant may not be in the ideal position. There is potential to have bone loss and gum loss on the lip side which will affect aesthetics. Furthermore, primary stability (which is the mechanical engagement of the implant with the bone) may be compromised. Type 2 timing is immediate delayed implants. This means that you wait 6-8 weeks after the tooth is removed before the implant process commences. This allows the soft tissue (gums) time to heal. Type 3 timing is delayed implants which means that you wait 3-4 months after the tooth is removed before the implant process commences. This allows the soft tissue (gums) and most of the bone to heal. This tends to be used by oral health practitioners as it allows better bone support, has lower risk, and is more precise. It does take more clinical sessions. Type 4 timing is when you wait more than 4 weeks after tooth removal before the implant process commences. This allows more time for soft tissue and bone healing, however, has the downside of bone loss starting to occur. More bone loss is possible the longer there is not an implant in the site. This may require additional procedures like bone lifts later. However, bone lifts are not always possible or guaranteed to work.

The literature is still researching and developing which technique is the best as all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. At current there is no standard one method that is superior for every case. The method used will be depended on lots of factors. Some of these factors are based on your medical conditions, the situation of your mouth, the available bone support, and gums.

There is loss of bone and soft tissue overtime. If you leave it too long before having an implant placed, you may require additional procedures to try and resolve this. Sometimes these additional procedures may not be possible or may not work as they are case dependent. As a result, it is very important you inform your oral health practitioner of your future teeth replacement choice before removal of teeth so that they can help you plan for this.

This is a surgical procedure aimed at replacing missing bone. It is useful if the bone in your jaw is too soft or thin. This could have happened for many reasons, including tooth loss, injury, gum disease and infections. Talk to oral heal practitioner if this is required for your situation.

95% success rate that means that about 95 patients in every 100 can expect to have successful treatment. However, the short and long term success of the implants depend on many factors, including the health and capacity of the jaw bone to heal, the type of implant, the technique used, the number of implants placed and the type of prosthesis (Denture, bridge or crown), whether the implant is being placed on the top or bottom jaw and the general health of the patient. Unfortunately, we do not have a glass ball to determine how long the implant will last. On average they last 10 years, however, who is to say that you are the average number you may be less, or you may be more than 10 years. In some people every implant will be successful, while in others the implants may fail to integrate with the bone. Therefore, while they are not successful for everyone, they are effective for most people. Your oral health practitioner after examining you and reviewing your case will be able to provide you with a more detailed answer on the long-term success of your possible implant.

An implant retained/supported denture is a denture that is braced by a few implants. It can be removed easily to clean and is not fully fixed in. It can be removed at home to be cleaned. This is like a picture with a nail & string. It is supported & secure to an extent. It can be easily removed but also can be knocked off the hook easily. Whereas fixed screw retained denture, is a denture that has been screwed to the implants in the bone in the dental clinic. It can not be removed at home. This is like a picture with 4 screws straight into the wooden beams. It is secure & supported. However, the only way to take it down is to unscrew the screws. (click here to see the picture above)

Care should be similar to the recommended care for your teeth everyday as plaque (collection of bacteria) can adhere to the implant and lead to infection also. In fact, poor oral hygiene can shorten its lifespan, as a result good oral hygiene is crucial. Therefore, brush twice a day, use fluoride toothpaste to reduce risk of decay of your natural teeth. Use interdental brushes and a small headed toothbrush with soft bristles. Flossing is important especially for dental implants as the toothbrush does not fit under the bridge or under the gums. Tape is a good floss tape for implants. Avoid smoking as this can impair healing and increase the chance of implant failure. Sugary foods encourage decay causing bacteria build up, therefore these should be limited.