Treatments · Dental Implants
Dental Implants
An implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone in place of a lost tooth root. Once it has fused with the bone, a crown, bridge or full denture is fitted on top. Because neighbouring teeth do not need to be cut, it is often the first choice for replacing missing teeth.
An implant is a titanium root placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth; after 2–4 months of healing a fixed crown is fitted. The whole process takes 3–6 months for most patients; if bone is lacking, a graft stage adds time. Controlled diabetes and smoking affect success; with regular check-ups and interdental cleaning implants last many years.
Who is suitable?
Anyone whose jaw growth is complete (usually over 18), who has enough jawbone and whose general health allows a minor surgical procedure. Uncontrolled diabetes, certain bone medicines (bisphosphonates), radiotherapy to the head and neck and heavy smoking impair healing; these are assessed at the examination and, if necessary, discussed with your physician.
Step by step
- Assessment: examination, panoramic X-ray and usually a 3D CT scan to measure bone volume and locate nerves and sinuses; general health and medicines are reviewed.
- Preparation: gum disease and decay are treated; if needed, bone grafting or sinus lift (healing 3–6 months).
- Implant surgery: 30–60 minutes under local anaesthesia; the implant is placed in the bone. In suitable cases it can be placed in the same visit as the extraction.
- Healing (osseointegration): 2–3 months in the lower jaw, 3–4 in the upper. A temporary tooth can be used in the front region meanwhile.
- Prosthetic stage: impression or digital scan, abutment and crown; 2–3 visits over 1–2 weeks.
- Check-ups: at 1 month, 6 months and then yearly; bone level is monitored on X-ray.
Duration and visits
- Standard single implant: 3–6 months, 5–7 appointments
- Cases needing a graft: 6–12 months
- Full-arch prostheses on several implants: 4–9 months depending on the plan; in suitable cases a temporary fixed prosthesis the same day
For patients travelling from abroad, treatment is usually planned in two visits several months apart; the details are agreed before you travel.
If there is not enough bone
Bone shrinks in areas that have been toothless for a long time. A bone graft, or a sinus lift in the upper back region, may then be needed before or during implant placement. This adds a few months but is essential for the implant's long life.
Full-arch options
A fixed or removable (clip-retained) prosthesis can be made on 2–4 implants in the lower jaw and 4–6 in the upper. The choice depends on bone volume, dexterity and expectations.
Healing and care
Swelling and mild pain for 2–3 days are normal and controlled with cold compresses, soft food and the prescribed medication. Stitches are removed after 7–10 days. Do not load the implant area or smoke for the first two weeks. Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed (peri-implantitis): brushing twice a day, interdental brushes or floss and regular check-ups determine how long they last.
Alternatives
For a single missing tooth a bridge (neighbouring teeth are cut, 1–2 weeks) and for several missing teeth a removable denture are the alternatives. Implants leave neighbouring teeth untouched and slow bone loss; a bridge is completed faster. See Prosthodontics.
- Not done in young people whose jaw growth is incomplete.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, bisphosphonate-type bone medicines, head-and-neck radiotherapy and heavy smoking reduce success; assessed together with your physician.
- Untreated gum disease needs periodontal treatment first.
- If bone volume is insufficient, grafting extends the timeline.
FAQ
Dental Implants
How long do implants last?
With regular care and check-ups implants last many years, often a lifetime. The crown or prosthesis on top may need renewing over the years because of wear.
Is the procedure painful?
Placement is done under local anaesthesia and no pain is expected during the procedure. Mild pain and swelling may occur for 2–3 days afterwards and are controlled with painkillers.
Can a tooth be fitted the same day?
If bone quality and the initial stability of the implant allow, a temporary tooth can be fitted the same day, especially in the front. The permanent prosthesis is made after the implant has fused with the bone.
Can the body reject an implant?
Titanium is biocompatible and allergic rejection is very rare. Failure is usually due to infection, early loading or factors that impair healing such as smoking.
Is there an age limit?
The lower limit is completed jaw growth (about 18). There is no upper age limit; general health is what matters.
Is a CT scan always necessary?
Not in every case. Where bone volume is borderline or close to a nerve or sinus, 3D imaging is needed for safe planning.
Appointment
Examination appointment for Dental Implants
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