Procedure

What is a
Dental Implant? Replacing
One Tooth Replacing
Several Teeth Replacing
All Teeth Looking After
your Teeth

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is the alternative to routine reconstructions such as the fixed bridge or removable denture. A dental implant is a man-made substitute for the root of a natural tooth. It is the foundation for reconstruction. A single dental implant consists of 2 main parts.

The first part is the implant

A titanium screw, inserted surgically into the jaw bone. When this implant has healed (fused with the bone) the second part can be connected.

The second part is the abutment

This abutment or post, fits into the implant and passes through the gum. It links the implant with the choice of prosthesis. This might be a single tooth or crown, as illustrated above, or a multiple tooth bridge or even a clip-on denture.

Advanced technology

Implants are not a new idea. For generations man has striven to replace lost teeth by means of a fantastic variety of so-called implants. It seemed a logical theory to replace missing teeth by emulating the way they are formed naturally. It is only now, with modern technology and materials, that such an idea can become a reality.

A success rate of between 95 to 100%

In our practice we only work with dental implants that demonstrate a high quality of research and documentation over a number of years. We have contributed to this documentation with an enviable success rate of between 95 to 100% for different treatment methods.

Quality of life

The high degree of predictability for dental implants ensures that we can confidently offer a more advanced alternative to conventional restorative techniques and help to enhance your quality of life.

Firm foundations

The Osseo integrated approach using TITANIUM* implants ensures a firm and lasting bond with bone and provides a strong foundation to support replacement teeth over many years, possibly even a lifetime. They can give you a second chance to replicate what nature did in the first place.

TITANIUM*
Do not be alarmed. Titanium has the unique property of fusing with the bone tissue through a process of integration, and therefore becomes like part of the body in the process. This gives the dental implant its extreme strength of attachment.

To arrange an appointment for a consultation, please click here.

Replacing One Tooth

 

1

The need to replace a missing tooth could be the result of an accident, dental disease or because there was no formation of an adult tooth (congenital absence).

2

A titanium dental implant is painlessly inserted into the jawbone. The operation can be carried out under local anaesthetic, with or without sedation. You can also choose to have a general anaesthetic in hospital. No healthy teeth are affected or damaged. With other replacement solutions, adjacent teeth might need to be ground down to support a bridge.

3

The gum above the implant is opened so that an abutment or post can be fitted into the implant itself. This post projects through the gum and makes a link between the implant and your new teeth (prosthesis). This procedure requires a local anaesthetic and again, is quite painless. It is usual to allow a period of about two weeks for healing and the surgical part of the procedure is complete. Often it is possible for the abutment to be connected at the same time the implant is placed, thus negating the need for this second minor surgical procedure. A crown is then placed on the abutment, fitting perfectly at the edge of the gum.

4

The new tooth is now complete and it is virtually impossible to see the difference between the existing teeth and the new tooth. However occasional differences do occur in the contour of the gum.

Surgery time is dependent on how many dental implants are being inserted and whether any bone grafting is required. A small amount of pain and swelling is normal in the first week after surgery. After a week the stitches are removed and the gum returns to normal within a day or two.

 

Dental Implants – Healing Period

The dental implants begin to literally fuse with the jawbone within the first 3 weeks post-operatively. You will not be aware that this is happening. Healing takes about three months for the implant to be fully integrated.

 

The Prosthetic Treatment

We work as a team, with our technicians, to construct your new teeth. This prosthetic treatment might be anything from a single tooth replacement to a full jaw restoration. It might even be an implant retained denture.

We begin by taking an impression of your jaws and implants. This impression is then made into a three dimensional model which is used to construct your new teeth. As work proceeds you will be able to try out what will eventually be your new teeth. These are fabricated from gold with either acrylic or ceramic material. Adjustments take place until everyone is completely satisfied with the result.

Finally your new finished prosthesis is inserted and the work is complete.

To arrange an appointment for a consultation, please click here.

Replacing Several Teeth

 

1

Some people lose more than one tooth typically in the back of the mouth. This is usually caused by gum disease (periodontitis) or by teeth cracking due to previous fillings, or failing conventional crown and bridgework due to recurrent decay.

2

An appropriate number of dental implants are installed either for individual restoration or to support a dental implant bridge. This solution does not affect your own teeth. The bridge will typically function for many years, regardless of the condition of your existing teeth.

3

The posts or abutments project through the gum and makes a link between the implants and your new teeth (prosthesis). This procedure may require a local anaesthetic and again, is quite painless. Allow a period of about two weeks for healing and the surgical part of the procedure is complete. Often it is possible for the abutment to be connected at the same time the implant is placed, thus negating the need for this second minor surgical procedure. The next step is to fit a bridge on the abutments.

4

The dental implant bridge is cemented or screwed on to the abutments and can typically withstand the strong chewing forces that occur in the back of the mouth. It feels and functions like natural teeth.

Surgery time is dependent on how many dental implants are being inserted and whether any bone grafting is required. A small amount of pain and swelling is normal in the first week after surgery. After a week the stitches are removed and the gum returns to normal within a day or two.

 

Dental Implants – Healing Period

The dental implants begin to literally fuse with the jawbone within the first 3 weeks post-operatively. You will not be aware that this is happening. Healing takes about three months for the implant to be fully integrated.

 

The Prosthetic Treatment

We work as a team, with our technicians, to construct your new teeth. This prosthetic treatment might be anything from a single tooth replacement to a full jaw restoration. It might even be an implant retained denture.

We begin by taking an impression of your jaws and implants. This impression is then made into a three dimensional model which is used to construct your new teeth. As work proceeds you will be able to try out what will eventually be your new teeth. These are fabricated from gold with either acrylic or ceramic material. Adjustments take place until everyone is completely satisfied with the result.

Finally your new finished prosthesis is inserted and the work is complete.

To arrange an appointment for a consultation, please click here.

Replacing All Teeth

 

1

If you have lost all your teeth in one or both jaws, you can choose a permanently anchored dental implant bridge or a removable prosthesis that is connected to two or more dental implants. This is called an overdenture. This type of overdenture remains in place more firmly than a conventional removable prosthesis. For the most natural functioning solution, the permanently anchored dental implant bridge is the answer if and when the prerequisites are met.

2

For a permanently anchored dental implant bridge, several dental implants are installed to form a good foundation. Because the dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, they stimulate the bone tissue and help to maintain healthy bone levels and facial structures. An overdenture involves installing two or more dental implants that will be used as a secure foundation to attach the prosthesis.

3

The abutments are attached to the dental implants and the bridge is fitted in place. All dental work is performed according to your prerequisites and wishes.

For the overdenture, either ball abutments or a small bar between the abutments are used. The prosthesis is fitted with corresponding clips underneath to help retain it on the implants and reduce denture movement.

4

The dental implant bridge, or the overdenture, is now in place. It looks and functions like normal teeth. You can now eat whatever you like and laugh without having to worry about the prosthesis falling out.

Surgery time is dependent on how many dental implants are being inserted and whether any bone grafting is required. A small amount of pain and swelling is normal in the first week after surgery. After a week the stitches are removed and the gum returns to normal within a day or two.

 

Dental Implants – Healing Period

The dental implants begin to literally fuse with the jawbone within the first 3 weeks post-operatively. You will not be aware that this is happening. Healing takes about three months for the implant to be fully integrated.

 

The Prosthetic Treatment

We work as a team, with our technicians, to construct your new teeth. This prosthetic treatment might be anything from a single tooth replacement to a full jaw restoration. It might even be an implant retained denture.

We begin by taking an impression of your jaws and implants. This impression is then made into a three dimensional model which is used to construct your new teeth. As work proceeds you will be able to try out what will eventually be your new teeth. These are fabricated from gold with either acrylic or ceramic material. Adjustments take place until everyone is completely satisfied with the result.

Finally your new finished prosthesis is inserted and the work is complete.

To arrange an appointment for a consultation, please click here.

Looking After your Teeth

By far the most important thing needed for a satisfactory, long term outcome is careful adherence to dental hygiene and regular visits. It is now more important than ever to see that you clean your implant-retained teeth properly.

This is vital around the area of the abutment(s). You will be given instructions on how to care for your dental implants, but it will require motivation and commitment on your part.

If you are in the position of having to have dental reconstruction because you didn’t look after your teeth then this is a second chance. Dental hygiene and regular visits are now more important than ever.

 

Daily care

Important areas to clean:

  • Your implant-supported tooth, above and below the gum line.
  • In between your neighbouring teeth.

 

Single Tooth – Step-by-Step Guide

1 Toothbrush

It may be necessary to modify your brushing technique for the inner side of the teeth and hard-to-reach areas. An electric toothbrush can be a good alternative. If you have a bridge, make sure to clean under the bridge.

2 End-tufted Brush

A soft end-tufted brush (interspace brush) is suitable for hard-to-reach areas around your implant-supported tooth on the lingual surfaces (inner side of teeth) and around the implant posts on the facial side (outer side).

3 Interdental Brush

The use of an interdental brush (interproximal brush or bottle brush) helps in cleaning the sides of the implant-supported tooth, crown and abutment posts. Use the brush with a back-and-forth stroke, gently pressing it against the side of the implant-supported tooth or abutment posts.

The brush should not be too small as this will decrease the cleaning effect, or too big as this will, cause discomfort when brushing. A plastic-coated wire brush is recommended. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice on the technique, size and shape for your interdental brush.

Note: Never use toothpaste in combination with the interdental brush.

4 Floss

In narrow areas, where the interdental brush is hard to use, floss is recommended. Clean the sides of your implant-supported tooth and abutment posts by passing floss (thick floss, Super floss) back and forth between the implant tooth and the neighbouring teeth, or through the spaces next to the abutment posts.

Bridge – Step-by-Step Guide

1 Toothbrush

It may be necessary to modify the brush for the inner side of the teeth and hard-to-reach areas. An electric toothbrush can be a good alternative. If you have a bridge, make sure to clean under the bridge.

2 End-tufted Brush

A soft end-tufted brush (interspace brush) is suitable for hard-to-reach areas around your implant-supported tooth on the lingual surfaces (inner side of teeth) and around the implant posts on the facial side (outer side).

3 Interdental Brush

The use of an interdental brush (interproximal brush or bottle brush) helps in cleaning the sides of the implant-supported tooth, crown, abutment posts and the surface under the bridge. Use the brush with a back-and-forth stroke, gently pressing it against the side of the implant-supported tooth or abutment posts.

The brush should not be too small as this will decrease the cleaning effect, or too big as this will, cause discomfort when brushing. A plastic-coated wire brush is recommended. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice on the technique, size and shape for your interdental brush.

Note: Never use toothpaste in combination with the interdental brush.

4 Floss

In narrow areas, where the interdental brush is hard to use, floss is recommended. Clean the sides of your implant-supported tooth and abutment posts by passing floss (thick floss, Super floss) back and forth between the implant tooth and the neighbouring teeth, or through the space next to the abutment posts. Clean the bridge adjacent to the gum line using a sideways stroke.

To arrange an appointment for a consultation, please click here.