Who will be placing my implants at Herts Dental?

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The Implant Surgeon places the implants and the Restorative Dentist works towards constructing the crown, bridge or denture. The Implant Surgeon and Restorative Dentist can be the same person.

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What clinical factors determine if a patient can have dental implant treatment?

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• Patients must have enough jawbone to seat the implant fixture. The implant fixture is a screw and comes in various lengths and diameters. A CT scan (3D x-ray) is usually taken to assess how much jaw bone the patient has in the site in which the implant treatment is proposed. If there isn’t enough jaw bone, then advanced procedures such as sinus elevation and bone grafting can be performed.

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• Patients should have enough space between their upper and lower teeth so that an adequate size crown, bridge or denture can be fitted. If the patient has lost any restorative space or had extensive tooth wear, then the Restorative Dentist will have carry out treatment to ensure there is enough space.

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• Patients must have good medical health.

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• A non-smoker is ideal.

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• Having medical problems is not a contraindication for dental implant treatment. As long as your medical issues are controlled with medication and your doctor is taking care of you then there shouldn’t be a reason not to have dental implant treatment. We have to be careful with patients on high dose immune suppressants and those patients on Bisphosphonate medication.

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• Patient must have good dental health.

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• Patient must have good oral hygiene.

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• Patients are advised to return for regular check-ups, even after the implant treatment is carried out.

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• The Implant Surgeon/Restorative Dentist will assess these factors amongst other issues.

 

 

How soon after having a tooth removed can a dental implant be placed?

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It all depends on the patient’s clinical situation. You have to bear in mind that when a patient has a tooth removed then they are left with a defect in their gum and jawbone. Overtime, this defect is filled with the patient’s own bone and gum.

 

If the extraction is simple then a period of 4-8 weeks is usually observed before inserting the implant fixture. This is because new jawbone is required to support the implant fixture.

If the patient’s tooth is a challenge to extract or a surgical procedure is required to remove the tooth, vital jawbone may be lost in this way. A period of 2-6 months is usually normal to observe before assessing the site for implant treatment.

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Sometimes an implant fixture can be placed the same day a tooth has been extracted. However, the clinical factors must be favourable and your Implant Surgeon/Restorative Dentist will be able to assess this.

It is important that an infected tooth is not left untreated, even if it causing the patient no issues. This is because vital jawbone can be lost due to the bacteria and infection, making implant dentistry a bit of a challenge. If an infected tooth cannot be saved then it is best to have it removed at the earliest opportunity to prevent unnecessary jawbone loss.

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How long does the treatment take from start to finish?

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Once the implant fixture is surgically placed, a healing period of 3-6 months is observed before the final crown or any other superstructure can be attached on top of the abutment and implant fixture. This healing period varies according to many factors and the site the implant is placed in. If the implant fixture is placed into very strong bone and the healing period is uneventful, then as a general rule we can attach the crown after 3 months. In softer bone, a longer healing period is advised so that the patient’s own jawbone can grow around the implant to make it solid.

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A CT Scan is a 3D image of your jawbone. Sometimes we take a CT scan for complex implant cases or when the Implant Surgeon would like further information about the jawbone quantity and quality. Practically speaking, it is only when an implant fixture is actually placed that the Implant Surgeon can determine the quality of the jawbone.

 

Some parts of the mouth have got hard bone. For example, the bone around your chin area is usually strong. Bone density can only vary in different ethnicities and the general build of the patient (imagine a rugby player vs. a frail person).

 

In complex cases where the patient does not have enough jawbone, the patient’s natural bone can be utilised to substitute the defect or bone from other sources can be used. Your Implant Surgeon will discuss this with you if this is the case.

 

 

What will an implant feel like?

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Patients are delighted when they have their missing teeth restored with a fixed appliance. It can help them to smile, eat, get rid of their dentures and increase their confidence levels. An implant tooth is not bulky like a denture and is more comfortable.

 

If the patient has had a gap for some time, then the implant tooth can feel strange for a little while. Most patients will be able to adapt quickly. The gum may feel tight for a few days until it adjusts to the contours of the new crown.

 

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How do I clean my implant?

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Treat it like a normal tooth: be gentle when brushing and use a soft bristle toothbrush. Make sure to angle the brush bristles into the gum to clean the plaque and any food debris. Clean in between the implant and the adjacent tooth by using floss, interdental brushes or super-floss. Use branded toothpaste. It is very important to keep the implant tooth and the surrounding gum clean and free of plaque. Plaque contains harmful bacteria which can cause damage to the gum and bone surrounding the implant if not kept clean.

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Can I go on holiday during treatment?

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It is probably best to wait a period of a few weeks after the initial surgical procedure until you go abroad. This is because the Implant Surgeon may have to call you back to review the implant site and to remove any stitches. Once you have your final crown, bridge or denture fitted then most patients adapt uneventfully; however the Restorative Dentist may call you back for a review 1-2 weeks later. Your Implant Surgeon will advise you according to the complexity of your procedure.

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I am nervous about the surgery. What are my pain-free options for the implant placement stage?

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Don't worry as our team will take great care of you. We take our time with all treatments and offer the following pain-free options:

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-Gently administered local anaesthetic with numbing gel applied first to the gum

-Light sedation

-Deep sedation

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Our Implant Dentist, Dr. Dedi, has a Diploma in Conscious Sedation from King's College London. This means that he is able to provide the implant surgery whilst his patients are fully relaxed, having little or no recollection of the procedure. In addition to your implant planning and assessment appointments, we would have to check your suitability to be sedated. Please let us know at your consultation visit if you like to consider the sedation option. Most nervous patients opt for the sedation method. Please note, you don't need to be sedated for every single implant appointment; mainly the implant surgery stage.

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How long do I have to wait after having a tooth removed before I can have an implant?

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Once a tooth is removed, it will leave a gap in your jaw bone. The body will fill this gap up with natural jaw bone within a few months. An implant can then be placed into jaw bone. Sometimes it may be beneficial to place an implant the same day a tooth is removed. There must be certain favourable clinical conditions for this- our Implant Surgeon will discuss with you. WE HAVE BEEN USING A SPECIAL BONE GRAFT MATERIAL WHEREBY YOU CAN HAVE YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT PLACED 3 WEEKS AFTER HAVING YOUR TOOTH REMOVED. We can give you an accurate indication at the time of your FREE consultation.

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Do I need an implant for every single missing tooth?

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Not necessarily. It depends on the occlusal load, aesthetics and amount of bone available. Our implant dentist will be able to tell you more at your consultation.

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How long will it take to get an implanted tooth?

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In the vast majority of cases we aim to finish within 3-4 months of you having your initial implant surgery so that you have a fully functional natural looking tooth.

 

I have all/most of my teeth missing in my jaw. What are my options?

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There are many treatment variables, both with fixed and removable teeth. Each option is dependent on the patient’s financial budget and what is possible in their mouth. Our Implant Expert will be happy to discuss more at the time of your consultation.

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There are variations with each treatment modality, but these are the main ones we offer:

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·         Denture only

·         Denture supported by 2 implants

·         Denture supported by 4 implants

·         Denture supported by 4 implants and a bar

·         Fixed teeth supported by 4 implants

·         Fixed teeth supported by 6 implants

·         Fixed teeth supported by individual implants

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As a general rule, the more implants you have placed, the more secure your false teeth will fit in. The number of implants which need to be used to replace your missing teeth depend on varying factors:

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• Your budget

• Your smile aesthetics

• The final aesthetic outcome desired

• The quantity of your jawbone

• The quality of your jawbone

• Anatomical features such as the extent of your sinuses and where your nerves are positioned

• Whether you would like an implant denture or a fixed implant teeth bridge

• Your oral hygiene factors

• Any pre-existing periodontal disease ("gum disease)​

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What technology does Herts Dental have to ensure my implant treatment goes smoothly?

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We have a very expensive bit of equipment called a CT scanner. This is essentially a 3D x-ray machine which can help to plan your implant treatment with great accuracy. Unlike conventional x-rays, which only give a 2D view, a CT scanner can help the Implant Surgeon visualise your jaw bone in 3D. We provide every stage of implant treatment under one roof.

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