Mr. Fary Johnson Vithayathil BDS MSc Pg Diploma Clinical Implantology (University of Newcastle).

A dental implant is an artificial root which is placed into the jawbone. This is then used to support an artificial tooth known as a dental crown. A number of implants can be used to replace multiple missing teeth.

Implants are made of pure titanium, or a combination of titanium and zirconium. These materials are very well accepted by the body, so an implant can unite with the tissues around it. Once this has happened, usually after around twelve weeks after the procedure, a restoration such as a crown can be attached to the implant to create the new tooth.

At Evolution Dental Practice we use Biohorizon implant systems which are from global leaders in Implantology. Extensive international research has shown that there is over a 90% chance that a quality implant restoration will remain in successful use 10 years after being placed.

Placing a dental implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually done under a simple local anaesthetic, similar to when having a filling done. The procedure itself is comfortable, but just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort for a few days after the dental implant is placed.

Your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the treatment time during your consultation. Usually the final teeth are fitted onto the dental implants 3-4 months after the dental implants are placed.

You will be given advice on how to look after your dental implants, both immediately after dental implant placement and for long term care. Cleaning dental implants is no more difficult than looking after natural teeth.

Most teeth are permanently fixed to dental implants and will look and feel like natural teeth. If you have removable dentures secured by dental implants, these can usually be removed for cleaning.

Although dental implants are made of titanium, this is hidden under the gum, and the dental implant will look just like a natural tooth. The new teeth can be designed to match exactly with your own teeth.

A single missing tooth will need one dental implant. If you have two or more missing teeth next to each other these can often be replaced with just two implants Your dentist will advise you as to where implants will be needed depending upon the teeth which need replacing.

Dental implants can generally be placed in most patients. Some factors that can affect suitability for dental implants include a small number of medical problems and certain medications. Sometimes there may not be enough jawbone but an additional procedure can be carried out to bulk up the bone prior to placing dental implants. Our implant dentist will assess you and provide a bespoke treatment plan and discuss the cost of treatment at your first consultation.

Do nothing, i.e. accept the gap. Although seemingly the simplest option, teeth around a gap will usually move into the gap to some extent. Whilst this doesn’t always happen, it usually does and may lead to food trapping and problems with the bite.

Bridges:- A bridge is attached to one or both teeth at the sides of the gap, and replaces the missing tooth. Bridges can be very successful, but have the drawbacks of committing one or more teeth to holding the bridge, which may lead to problems with these teeth in the future

Partial denture (plate):- This is a simple type of restoration, but is removable i.e. not fixed to the teeth. In some situations, it can be a good option, e.g. if many teeth are missing, but if one or two only are missing it is generally quite a poor option, as they are quite bulky.

Initial assessment visually and with an ‘x-ray.

A small CT scan is taken to accurately assess the area of the gap in 3-D, and allow detailed treatment planning of the implant stages

Review and discussion to explain the treatment procedures

Implant placement, and possibly placement of a temporary tooth/teeth

Review of the implant, impressions and placement of the permanent restoration
(e.g. a crown) Reviews to assess ongoing implant health.