What does a dental implant replace?
A dental implant is a small fixture, usually made from titanium, placed in the jawbone. It supports a replacement tooth rather than forming the visible tooth itself. A single-tooth restoration normally includes the implant, a connecting component called an abutment, and a crown.
Implants can also support bridges or help retain a removable denture. The appropriate design depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the mouth and what you want to achieve. Implant treatment is one option; a bridge or removable denture may also be worth considering.
The stages of implant treatment
- Assessment and imaging. Your dentist examines the teeth and gums, reviews your health and medicines, and selects the images needed for planning.
- Preparing the mouth. Decay or gum disease may need treatment first. Some patients need a bone graft or another preparatory procedure.
- Placing the implant. The implant is inserted according to the surgical plan, usually under local anaesthetic.
- Healing and review. The clinician checks the tissues and the implant’s integration with bone before progressing.
- Making the restoration. The planned crown, bridge or denture is fitted. The team checks the bite, appearance and access for cleaning.
- Continuing care. Regular reviews and daily cleaning help protect the tissues around the implant and identify problems with the restoration.
Not everyone needs every preparatory stage. Your written plan should explain which steps apply and who will carry them out.
How long does it take?
The whole process is usually planned over months. A gum wound that looks healed does not necessarily mean the implant is ready for the final restoration. Bone conditions, the procedure and the proposed loading of the implant affect the timetable. Additional surgery can extend it.
Ask what you will use as a temporary tooth during healing. Guy’s and St Thomas’ explains the stages after implant placement.
Can an implant be placed immediately after an extraction?
Sometimes an implant can be placed at the appointment when a tooth is removed. This depends on the tissues, the extraction site and whether the implant can achieve suitable stability. An area of infection needs individual assessment.
Immediate placement and immediately fitting a tooth that can take chewing forces are separate decisions. Neither should be assumed from a treatment name. If the conditions are unsuitable, your dentist may recommend a staged approach.
How does an implant compare with a bridge?
A conventional bridge uses neighbouring teeth for support. An implant-supported crown can replace a tooth without using those teeth as bridge supports. However, implant treatment involves surgery and requires appropriate bone and tissue conditions. Your dentist should compare the benefits, limitations, maintenance and costs of the available options.
The crown’s shape and colour are planned to suit the surrounding teeth. The gum line, available space and bite also influence the result; matching a photograph is not a guarantee of an identical outcome.
Can an implant fail?
Implants are intended for long-term use, but no fixed lifespan can be promised. Healing problems, inflammation around the implant and mechanical problems with the restoration can occur. Smoking, health conditions, some medicines, cleaning and excessive forces all need consideration.
Clean the implant restoration and the spaces around it as shown by your dental team. Attend the agreed reviews even if it feels comfortable. Increasing pain, swelling, bleeding or another change around an implant should be reported, rather than left until the next routine visit.
What should the treatment estimate include?
The price of placing an implant may not be the cost of a completed tooth. Ask whether the estimate covers imaging, surgery, any grafting, temporary work, the abutment, final crown and reviews. Bring your medicine list and previous images; do not stop prescribed medicines yourself.
Explore dental implants at ProDent and the English price list. A consultation in Nysa allows us to assess suitability and agree the scope of your treatment.
