Dental Implants

Single implant (top) used for the replacement of a missing lateral (bottom).

Dental implants can be an effective long-term solution to replace one or multiple teeth. Studies show that implants provide greater structural support and last longer than bridges or dentures. They are typically constructed of titanium, a strong and safe material that effectively integrates with bone. Implants are placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of the original natural teeth. New artificial teeth are then attached enabling normal function.

Different than traditional techniques like dentures and bridges, dental implants allow the dentist to replace missing teeth more permanently and more effectively. Traditionally, when a tooth is lost, the gap is restored by adding another artificial tooth between the adjacent teeth that act as supports to it. This requires removing healthy tooth structure from the adjacent teeth, possibly lessening their long-term viability.

Dental implants can replace one missing tooth or a complete set of teeth. Implants have been used successfully for over forty years and the technology is improving constantly. The success rate of this process is ninety to ninety-five percent for a period of twenty-five years. As a result of this procedure, chewing ability is improved immediately. Also, very importantly, the implants stop the loss of facial bone structure, a process associated with ageing and when teeth are missing.

Dental implants provide the following benefits:

• High durability

• Improvement to oral health

• Permanent teeth restoration

• Altering adjacent teeth as with dental bridges is unnecessary

• No slippage of teeth as with dentures

• Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth

• Implants are comfortable for fit and function

• No more dietary restrictions

Potential Risks Involved with Dental Implants

Although problems arising with dental implants are rare, as with any surgery, it does involve some health risks. If a problem does arise, it is usually minor and easily remedied. Some of these risks include:

• Infection at the dental implant site

• Injury or damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels

• Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin

• Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

We may recommend dental implants for you depending on the following:

• If you have tooth or multiple teeth missing.

• If you have healthy tissue in your mouth.

• If you your jaw bone is fully grown.

• If you have adequate healthy bone to secure the posts or are able to have a bone grafting procedure

• If you don’t have any medical issues that may impact the healing of the implant to the bone.

• If you have a speech impediment you want to improve.

• If you are not keen on wearing dentures for some reason.

• If you are a non-smoker.

• If you can commit to the time it takes for complete healing of your implants to occur.

The Process for Adding Your Implants

Replacing missing teeth begins with a thorough exam and overview of your oral health, and jaw and bone structure. We will then discuss with you on the recommended treatment for implants. Normally, implants are done separately, however, they can be bridged together replacing several teeth with a single implant.

Dental implants are made of high-quality biocompatible titanium. The nature of the implant allows it to integrate naturally with the bone stabilizing the bite and promoting bone regeneration. Dental implants require a significant amount of healthy bone and gum tissue for successful retention. If you don’t have enough bone structure, bone grafting may be required for a successful implant.

Following the placement of a dental implant, the implant must be allowed to fuse with the jaw bone for a period of three to six months. Temporary tooth replacement can be made for the healing period, sometimes using the implant while it is healing. After the implanted post has fully healed, an abutment will be attached to the implant. The abutment is the portion of the implant that connects the post with the dental crown. It attaches to the post and is surrounded by the gums. It is not visible once the crown is attached.

Here is a summary of the process for placing a dental implant. Dr. Majeed will treat you for part of the process and recommend a specialist for some of the work:

• Removal of a damaged tooth or teeth (Dr. Majeed)

• Bone grafting (jawbone preparation), when required (Dr. Majeed)

• Placement of dental implants (titanium posts) (specialist)

• Bone growth and healing around the posts (checked by specialist)

• Placement of abutment (to connect post to crown) (specialist)

• Placement of crowns (Dr. Majeed)

Dental implants can be fixed, or removable. If fixed, the crown is permanently cemented to the abutment. If removable, it is similar to dentures and can be partial or full. In this case, the artificial crowns are surrounded by plastic gums. They are mounted on a metal frame that is securely attached to the implant abutment and can be removed for repair or cleaning.

We believe that dental implants have a vital role to play in the rebuilding of a patients confidence in their teeth, their smile and their self-esteem. We believe that with careful and considerate planning a combination of dental implants with the other facets of advanced dental treatment can result in an optimum solution for missing teeth.

Dr. Majeed will consult with you on dental implant surgery and if it is necessary and helpful for you, recommend a specialist to begin the process.

Apart from excellent dentistry the most satisfying part of the experience is the support crew (reception, hygienist and dental assistant) all are amazing.