Dental Implants

Preliminary discussion with our treatment coordinator who will discuss the options of dental implants with you. Our coordinator will give you advice and an overview of the treatment process with costings so that you understand what is involved with the treatment.

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Dental assessment with our experienced surgeons who will provide a comprehensive examination to evaluate your suitability for dental implants, take digital x-rays or CT scan so that the quality of your bone can be assessed. Dental implants rely on solid foundations of bone therefore adequate bone is required for this treatment. The x-ray images are also used to plan the direction of where the implant is placed. A treatment plan, consent and final cost breakdown will be presented to you.

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The surgery is planned using all the information from the assessment. We will know which size implant we need to use and if any other supporting treatment is required such as a bone graft. An incision is made into the gum so that the implant can be safely drilled into place and then covered with a healing screw. Sutures are placed and post-operative medications are given.

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Integration is where the implant fuses to your bone, this is called osteointegration, it is the most important phase and will take approximately 8-12 weeks patient dependant. Review appointments will be arranged so that the progress of integration can be monitored.

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Restoration is where we fit the final crown, bridge or denture to the now integrated implants. A variety of impressions will be taken over the course of 4 weeks so that work fits functionally and aesthetically.

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Aftercare with regular maintenance and dental examinations are required as dental implants should be given the same level of care as natural teeth.

 

 

What are my options?

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Single dental implant(s) are either used for singular missing teeth, single dental implants are the only fixed alternatives to conventional bridges and partial dentures. (show pictures)

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Implant bridge can be used to cover the surface area of 3 or more missing teeth and are a long-term solution for patients who have one or more missing teeth. An implant bridge allows us to provide you with several teeth on fewer implants. Examples are 3 teeth on 2 dental implants or 5 teeth on 3 implants. (show pictures)

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Implant retained denture is a fantastic option for patients who have ill fitting dentures or those that wish to stabilise their current denture into a secure position. 4 dental implants would be used on the upper jaw and at least 2 are required for the lower which will ensure the denture does not move or fall out unnecessarily. implant retained dentures allow you to eat and chew the foods you want and no longer have bulky denture acrylic covering your palate. Implant retained dentures are in the shape of a horse shoe that just fits the arch of the jaw. (show pictures)

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Fixed dental implant bridge or ‘teeth in a day’ are used in special circumstances for patients who need full arch rehabilitation. 6 dental implants a screwed into the bone (either upper, lower or both arches) our lab technician will design and create a new bridge which is immediately loaded onto implants so you have a smile and a functioning dentition immediately. The implants will integrate over the next 3 months and then a final ceramic bridge and framework will be designed for the implants fitted to the implants. (show pictures)

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If conditions allow then a dental implant can be placed on the day of an extraction this will prevent the need for a second surgery and dramatically reduce the recovery period so that the treatment is completed at the earliest opportunity.

 

Will I need any other treatment?

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We will on occasion have to use some supporting tools for your treatment, each is cases dependant.

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Some other materials we use are as follows:

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CT scan:

 

At CT scan is a 3D scan of the head and neck which gives us valuable information. It shows us the optimum area to place your dental implant, bone density and it allows us to plan your treatment.

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Bone graft:

 

If the CT scan shows us you have insufficient bone then when can use bone substitute. The most common bone substitute for dental implants is Bio Oss® biomaterial. The bone graft procedure is straightforward and pain free, it is done while the implants are being placed and will provide the bone density required for the implants to integrate.

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Sinus lift:

 

The sinuses are located on either cheek side just above the molar teeth, in the majority of dental implant cases for treatment in this area there are no concerns however if the sinus is too close to the area where we would like to place implants then we would opt for a sinus lift firstly and then revisit the site 9- 12 months after the sinus lift to place your dental implants. If a sinus lift is required then this will delay your treatment significantly.

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Soft tissue graft:

 

This is generally used for central teeth or areas of recession, it provides a high standard aesthetical result. Soft tissue graft or corrective gum surgery can either be done at the implant placement procedure or during the restorative period. A soft tissue graft allow is to fill any voids on the gum line so that the final restoration looks completely natural. We also use gum surgery for patients with periodontal disease.

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Sedation:

 

Conscious sedation is something that we can offer for patients with extreme fear or anxiety of dental treatment. If you feel that you would like sedation this can be consider however a short medical test will determine if you are suitable for it, oral sedatives can also be considered for treatment.

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Dental hygiene:

 

This is very important regarding the maintenance of dental implants as they have to be treated like natural teeth. Even though implants cannot be affected by tooth decay like a natural tooth would they can still collect plaque. Brushing and flossing is encouraged post treatment with regular visits to our hygienist.

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Dental implants are the premier treatment for patients with missing teeth. It requires skill, experience and patience. Here at Precision Dental clinic we have placed thousands of dental implants please visit our smile gallery to see some of our cases.

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If you would like more information about dental implants then contact our experienced coordinator for a complementary consultation to begin your treatment journey.