Frequently asked questions about Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are accuracy manufactured threaded posts which can be inserted into the jawbone and which integrate into the bone of the jaw providing an extremely secure base which can support a crown, fixed denture or bridge. Dental Implants are manufactured from titanium or titanium alloy; these materials are used as they are least likely to be rejected by the body’s immune system. They act as an effective replacement for the root of a tooth that has been lost.

Is the treatment painful?

The surgical placement of dental implants causes only minor discomfort similar to having a tooth removed. Post-operative discomfort is controlled with the use of prescriptions. Depending on the extent of the therapy, many persons return to work the day of their surgery. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.

How successful & safe is the treatment?

Implants as a solution to missing teeth has been practiced for a few decades. Generally, because of advances in implant dentistry over the years, dental implants can have success rates above 90% in natural bone. Having said that, success rates depend on many factors, for example, the patient’s own health status or whether he/she is a smoker. Although at the present time we cannot put a figure down as to the longevity of implants, it is known that the first patient who had implants placed in 1965 still has them in function today. Of course, regular checkups and diligently maintaining one’s oral hygiene is also of utmost importance in preventing failure.

Modern dental implant treatment is highly successful, as a general guideline, the five-year success rate of dental implant is over 95% with the lower jaw (mandible) and about 90% with upper jaw (maxilla). The success rates may slowly decrease, as the implant stays longer in function. In difficult cases, the success rates are expected to be lower. Despite the overall high success rates with dental implant treatment, there is still the possibility of failure, which can be contributed by various factors and conditions, such as poor healing power, poor bone quality, smoking and diabetes, and most important of all -poor oral hygiene.

Whereas no medical treatment can be guaranteed 100 percent without risks and failures, implant operation can be considered very safe. The prosthetic phase of treatment is basically non-invasive and non invasive and non-surgical in nature.

How long will dental implants last & are they safe?

Dental Implants are perfectly safe. With proper maintenance they normally last for up to fifteen years. By comparison, a dental bridge which is supported by natural teeth is only expected to last for eight years. With an effective dental hygiene routine – just as with your natural teeth – dental implants can last for a substantially longer period. Regular appointments with a dental hygienist are advised to increase the longevity of the implant.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

The dental implant procedure normally requires 2 or 3 appointments with maximum of up to a 4 appointments.

A consultation would take place on the initial visit, which will last around 45 minutes. During this appointment a CT (computerised tomography) scan will be taken to provide us with a full 3D image of your jaw which will be used to establish your suitability for to receive dental implants.

Often the placement of the implant can be carried out during the consultation visit, which reduces the total number of appointments required. In cases where some preparatory treatment is necessary on the initial visit – where no other procedures are necessary – the implant(s) would be placed on the second visit. Placing the implant(s) would take approximately one to two hours.

This is followed by a period of three to six months, allowing the implant(s) to heal and fully integrate with the bone tissue. During the next appointment, abutment(s) would be attached and an impression would be taken which would be used by a dental laboratory to create permanent crowns or bridges. The entire treatment period should not exceed eight months.

How do I get started?

The first step is a comprehensive examination of existing teeth, bone and gums. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and discovery of the potential solutions to your condition.

During the first visit, Dr Nitish/ Dr. Garima will perform a visual examination and evaluate radiographs (X-Rays). He/She will then discuss his/her findings with you, recommend treatment solutions, and help you determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

We invite our patients to have a family member or friend participate in our discussions, which most patients find very beneficial. In addition, any financial matters will be discussed in detail and in a confidential setting before any treatment is started.

What is the process of Complete Dental Implants ?

Normally when all the teeth are lost then with dental implants you can have the comfort of natural teeth. Dental implants are threaded screw made of TITANIUM which are placed in the jaw bone and they serve the purpose Of natural teeth and then taking support of them we prepare the full mouth ceramic bride on top of them. Implants are available from many different companies .We are using dental implants from NOBEL BIOCARE. Which is an U S based company with and with F D A approved implants and are considered to be one of the best .

Normally we need to place 8 implants for upper as well as 8 implants for the lower jaw, Then later on we prepare 14 unit ceramic bridge for each upper and lower jaw Implant are placed under the effect of local anesthesia and normally it takes 2 hrs to place implants for the Lower jaw and then later on after a gap of roughly one week we can do the same procedure for the upper jaw . Normally we suggest to wait for 4 to 5 months before we go for the final teeth , so that is possible when you come for the second visit , and at that time you need to stay for 15 days.

We can give you temporary removable denture for next few months so that you are not without teeth for long time.

Can I remove the tooth fixed to the implant?

The artificial tooth (crown) which is attached to the implant can only be placed and taken out by a dentist. However, implant retained dentures can be removed by the patient enabling them to be cleaned.

Can I choose whether or not to go through with dental implants?

Yes, all of our consultations will give prospective patients detailed information and a professional opinion of which treatments are required. The treatment which you finally receive is entirely your choice and shortly after the consultation is complete a written treatment plan will be told to you with details of all the costs included. You will then be able to choose whether or not to proceed with the treatment.

Can a tooth be extracted & dental implant placed immediately?

Yes, if the patient has sufficient bone density and depth of bone, a dental implant can be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. However, it should not be used as a normal tooth until osseointegration (integration with the bone) has taken place. A CT scan enables the implantologist to evaluate this beforehand, and a specialised prosthesis can be manufactured or your existing denture can be modified to be retained by the implants(s).

In some cases dental implants can not be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. This is due to period of time which may be required for your bone and gums to grow back and fill the gap which is left following the tooth extraction. This takes a minimum of three to four months for teeth removed from the lower jaw and six to eight months for the upper jaw, which has less density. A temporary prosthesis would be made for use during the healing period. For those who currently wear dentures, they can be adjusted or modified enabling them to be worn during the bone integration period. A CT scan will be used to discover which approach is best suited for each individual case.

Why should I Replace a Missing Tooth?

The empty space in your mouth starts to cause many problems including decay and periodontal disease, an unbalanced bite, and stress on the remaining teeth leading to unnecessary mobility of the remaining teeth.

What if I am missing a single tooth?

Missing a single tooth can, over time, allow the misalignment of your remaining teeth and thus erode your current smile. A single tooth replaced with a dental implant and crown is the most predictable, conservative and long-lasting method of tooth replacement. Without a dental implant, the two adjacent teeth to a missing tooth must be filed down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify natural teeth.

What if I am missing multiple teeth?

Missing multiple teeth can be a serious problem as the support structure of your jaw begins to deteriorate. Implants stop that deterioration.. Dental implants are designed to serve as a foundation for replacement crowns or bridges that “give you your teeth back.” They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Along with dental implants, we can take support of some natural teeth to restore multiple missing teeth although the ideal protocol is ONE TOOTH PER IMPLANT.

Are implanted teeth difficult to clean?

No, Patients are encouraged to look after their implanted teeth in the same way as they should with natural teeth. This simply means frequent brushing, flossing and attending regular dental appointments. Smoking should also be avoided to increase the longevity of the implants.

Who can have dental implants & do they hurt?

Anyone who is not having any systemic problems can have implants. By using modern implant techniques even patients who have low sinus cavities in maxilla or a reduced level of bone density are now able to have dental implants. We provide sinus lifts and bone reconstruction to patients who have these issues, and we use advanced techniques such as CT scans and Guided Surgery to prevent the requirement for complicated surgical treatment, by providing us with the opportunity to place dental implants in the best possible position, avoiding nerve canals and sinus cavities.

During Implant placement we give local anaesthetic to patient so as to make this procedure completely painless.

Many patients have stated that even on the day following surgery, they are not able to feel the dental implant is there. The level of discomfort experienced should be no more than having a tooth extraction, and we provide patients with medications just in case they experience any discomfort immediately following the implant placement. A temporary crown will be provided to take care of aesthetic appearance.

What problems can occur with Dental Implants?

A small percentage of dental implants are rejected by the body’s natural immune system. Studies have shown the average implant rejection rate worldwide to be 4%. In that case also the omplant can be placed again if the body condition allows.

What if I have further questions?

For any other questions feel free to Call us anytime at 9501015088/9646805088. Our staff is very proficient in answering questions. However, if they cannot answer your question, Dr. Nitish or Dr. Garima will return your call personally as soon as possible.