Teeth which become irreparably lost can be replaced in a number of different ways.  For example, if the neighbouring teeth are still present, it is possible to use them to anchor a bridge which will fill the gap. If many teeth are missing, a removable denture is often the only alternative solution.

In principle, dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth. The implants can then be used to support a structure on which a crown (or connected with other remaining teeth/implants, a bridge) can be fitted on the implants. At the same time, implants provide other advantages, as a means of attaching supporting elements under loose dentures so as to stabilize the denture. Characteristic of implants is that the physiological load they create also serves in conserving the surrounding bone. Where teeth are missing the bone no longer comes under normal load and tends to wither and deteriorate. Especially in the case of young patients who may have lost a tooth because of an accident and where the  neighbouring teeth have not yet been filled (i.e. are considered to be in too good a condition to be filed down for anchoring a bridge), an almost 100% restoration is achievable by using implants.

Are implants a possible solution in all cases?

Unfortunately, there are certain illnesses and medication regimes which reduce the chances that implants are successful, or may even represent a health risk. This possibility can be discussed in detail ahead of any operation.

Are implants subject to decay? How long is an implant good for?

Because they are made of non-organic material, implants are not liable to decay. On the other hand, there is a certain risk of periodontitis (for implants, the correct term is periimplantitis), especially if there is a history of this disease. For this reason, thorough dental hygiene at home and regular checkups are absolute musts for patients treated with implants. With optimum treatment and adequate care in terms of hygiene and checkups, the life of an implant can be very long, perhaps even permanent.

What material are implants made of?

We currently use implants made of pure titanium, which provides good surface and biomechanical properties and is currently the only material backed up by a sufficient number of investigations, more importantly, long-term studies. In our view, the use of ceramic implants is currently still problematic (risk of breaking) and needs to be investigated much more thoroughly.

How are implants done?

The basic technique is to perform a small operation in which an implant is inserted into a hole made in the jawbone and then allowed to heal. This operation can be performed either under local anaesthetic or with the patient completely asleep. The techniques applied very much depend on individual circumstances and it is not possible here to go into the details of all the techniques, healing periods, and other factors. If you feel that implants could be an option for you, we would be very happy to offer you a free initial consultation at which we can explain all the implications of implantology in your particular circumstances.