Home :: For Dentists :: Dental Articles :-

Dental implants - patient information

Dental Implants have been in use for the last forty years.
During this period, dental implants have been used successfully in replacing missing teeth. Implants restore both aesthetics & function to a degree which is closest to the natural teeth than other methods.

What is an Implant?
Modern implants are made of commercially pure titanium which when inserted into the jaw bone becomes firmly bonded to the surrounding bone & thus can be used to support an artificial crown or bridge. They are cylindrical in shape with a diameter of about 4 mm & a variable length of 8 – 17 mm.
Generally, they function in a similar way to that of the natural root of a tooth.

How are implants inserted into the jaw bone?
This is a delicate & elaborate surgical procedure carried out under strictly aseptic operating environment. It may be performed under local anesthetic, sedation & local anesthetic or a general anesthetic.
Following insertion, implants are left in the jaw bone for a period of about four months in order to allow the jaw bone to integrate with the surface of the titanium implant. Once this is achieved; dentures, crowns or bridges are completed & fixed to the implants.

Who is suitable for implants?
Individuals requesting implants are carefully assessed prior to being considered for dental implant procedures. The following criteria are taken in consideration:
-Healthy gums & adequate healthy jaw bone.
-The remaining natural teeth (if any) should be free of decay & gross gum disease.
The individual must be prepared to maintain scrupulous oral hygiene of both his natural teeth (if any) and teeth borne by implants.
Patients with a history of serious health problems are carefully assessed prior to being accepted for implant procedures (e.g. certain heart diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy & some serious blood disorders).


Who needs implants?
1. Difficulties with wearing full dentures
Many patients experience difficulties with wearing full dentures, particularly the lower dentures, mainly because of resorption (wear off) of the jaw bone over many years. In these cases, two to four implants are inserted into the lower jaw, then a denture is prepared & attached by special clips or anchors to these implants & hence becomes more stable & functional.
2. Missing front or back teeth
In those patients who are unhappy or experience difficulty with wearing partial dentures, it may be possible to replace the gaps with a fixed bridge supported by two or more implants after their insertion into the jaw bone.
3. Single tooth replacement
Missing single tooth in the front or back of the mouth may be replaced by a single implant inserted into the gap & a crown fixed over it. This obviates the need for a removable denture or a conventional fixed bridge which requires cutting adjoining teeth for support.
4. Fully fixed bridge
People who do not wish to wear removable full dentures may be considered for a fully fixed implant – supported complete bridge work. This involves the insertion of six or more implants to the jaw bone & preparing a complete porcelain faced metal bridge & fixing it over the implants. This does not require removal by the patient & is treated almost in the same way as the natural teeth, i.e. regular brushing & maintaining of a good oral hygiene.

All the above mentioned implants will require supervision & inspection by your dentist or the implant specialist once every six to twelve months.

Success rate of Implants
Titanium Osseo integrated implants have been in use for the last forty years. The success rate in experienced hands & suitable patients has been more than 97 %. Dental implantology is now an established technique which is scrupulously monitored & backed by considerable scientific research.

Failure of Implants
Experience during the last 40 years has shown that between 1 – 3 % of implants may fail to integrate with the jaw bone, When failure occurs, the implant is normally removed. After allowing the jaw bone to heal, a new implant may be inserted.