Archive for Dental Implants
There are many different types of implant systems on the market. Some have a long track record with many years of research behind them; other dental implant systems have limited research behind them. This in some ways can be compared to a car, in terms of a Rolls Royce is very different to a Skoda. A Rolls Royce would be known for its quality.
Recently a patient attended our dental practice from Russia claiming to have recently had the latest dental implant placed. A radiograph was taken of the patient and in reality they had a blade implant which dates back to the late 80’s early 90’s.
Implant dentistry is an area of dentistry which is constantly evolving, with hundreds of millions of pounds worth of research on a regular basis. Implant companies who invest this money in their research and have a long standing track record are likely to cost slightly more. Because of their reliable track record they are generally considered the “better implant systems”, whereas new implant systems may not have this proven track record.
Treatment can also vary in cost depending on the type of post that is used as this can vary from a gold metal post to a titanium post or a ceramic post. A ceramic post can produce a better aesthetic appearance but is not always ideal with a long spanned bridge where a number of teeth are being replaced. The ceramic posts are generally considered very good in the aesthetic area but tend to cost slightly more.
The degree of cost can sometimes vary due to the experience of the dentist concerned. Some dentists have been placing implants like ourselves for over 20 years and have placed many thousands of implants. Where as some dentists may have only attended a short course and there is a large learning curve with dental implants. As a result of this it is always wise to confirm the number of implants a dental practitioner has placed.
Some patients seek treatment abroad, this can be risky, as if things go wrong it may be difficult to go back to the dentist abroad and in England you have considerable protection under various legal aspects and all dentists in this country have to be registered.
Before agreeing to treatment at any dental practice it is worth looking at the experience of the dentist concerned, the type of implants used and confirm they are a good quality implant and you feel that all treatment options have been fully explained to you beforehand.
Yes, you can have multiple dental implants placed at once, regardless of which jaw they are in. In fact, having adjacent implants placed at the same time is arguably advantageous, as the healing site is not interrupted.
For nervous patients requesting sedation, it is best to have both implants placed at the same time to save the need for further sedation.
After having the implants placed your jaw may feel tender. Different people respond differently to the treatment, but generally we recommend taking the rest of the day off and relaxing, especially if you have had conscious sedation. Some patients may find they need the next day off work as well if their work is particularly strenuous. For the majority of jobs, a single day off to recover from the treatment is all that is necessary.
There are a number of commonly used systems in the UK, each with their benefits. Most of the popular companies are all high tech and state of the art and dentists generally choose, and stick to, the one that they find most usable, usually after product demonstration.
Biomet 3i, Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Camlog and Astra-Tech are all amongst the more successful. Don’t worry too much about the system offered, and look for an experienced dentist who you like the sound of.
Unlike real teeth, which are held into the bony socket via a connection of soft tissue fibres, dental implants are connected directly to the jawbone. Consequently it is extremely unlikely that any knock could loosen a healthy implant as there are no fibres to damage.
If you have knocked your implants and are concerned that they may have come loose, book an appointment with your implantologist as soon as possible.
Learning to place dental implants can take up to a number of years, even after a 5-year degree in dental surgery. It is also an expensive course to complete. Furthermore, dental implants are made from state-of-the-art materials with a variety of expensive implements to place and maintain them.
Once the dental implant itself has been placed, the crown that sits on top of it is made from fine-quality porcelain, zirconia or another material that has been tailor-made by a trusted laboratory.
Often included in the cost of dental implants is a consultation including x-rays and even CT scans, a timeframe for guarantee, post-operative maintenance appointments and possibly conscious sedation.
To help cover the costs of implants many companies offer interest-free funding over a number of months, Denplan coverage and dental implant insurance.
Dental implants are not placed in children for a number of reasons: the jaws don’t stop growing until the late teenage years and not all teeth are through until around the age of 13 (not including wisdom teeth). Dental implants should only be placed when the bone underneath is sufficiently dense, clear of unerupted teeth, and in a jaw that has finished growing with a developed, stable occlusion (bite).
In some situations, parents know that their child will need dental implants from an early age. X-rays during childhood can show that some adult teeth may never develop. Generally it is recommended for the child to wait until 18 to have the dental implants placed, but orthodontics might be recommended in the mean time to maintain the spaces needed for implant placement.
Because dental implants are fused to the bone, removing them can be very difficult. It is possible to have them taken out, but requires a careful procedure usually followed by bone augmentation if the socket needs filling. However, there would be very few situations where a dental implant would need to be removed; even if all other teeth were lost, current dental implants would prove very useful in stabilising a denture.
If you need natural teeth removed adjacent to a healthy dental implant, an extra dental implant can be placed and the structure above the current dental implant (e.g. crown) can be removed. A new impression will be taken of the two implants together and a custom-made prosthesis can be fabricated. This can either be two separate crowns or a joint structure.
Adding to a dental implant is generally not a problem provided the surrounding tissue is healthy.
Without a tooth to house, alveolar bone (the bone that forms the tooth socket) shrinks away. Consequently, if left too long, the bone may deplete so much that a dental implant can no longer be placed because not enough is there to attach it to.
If you choose to have a bridge now to replace the gap, there is a possibility that you either won’t be able to have a dental implant in the future or its longevity may be compromised. Generally, bone can be well maintained if the lost tooth was between two other healthy teeth, but more might be lost if this is not the case.
If you can’t afford the implant right away, best to try and get it placed within a few years to avoid too much bone loss. However, new systems are being developed that allow implant placement in areas of shallow bone, so worries about bone loss may one day be a thing of the past.
No, this is not necessary. Two implants are often sufficient to replace a few adjacent teeth and roughly six implants are adequate to reconstruct a single jaw.
The ‘all-on-four’ technique allows the replacement of all teeth in an arch using only four implants and is offered in a number of dental surgeries for the right cases.
It is possible that your genetics may predispose you to gum disease, in which case your implants may suffer from a similar condition called ‘peri-implantitis’. However, with excellent oral hygiene the risk can be dramatically reduced. Cleaning the implants twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste and using TePe brushes, floss or SuperFloss every day is recommended for the home routine. Regular visits to a hygienist is also very important, along with maintenance checks with your implantologist to ensure the implants are still healthy.
No, because implants are made from titanium, which is not a magnetic metal. Magnetic materials are made mostly from iron, cobalt or nickel.
Teeth implants are placed in three stages: the initial placement of the implant screw, the revealing of the implant and placement of an abutment, and finally the attachment of the crowns. After the first procedure, when the implant itself is placed, it is recommended not to partake in anything physically exerting for the initial few days. Abstaining from alcohol and smoking are also recommended as they both slow down the healing process. As the area could be relatively sore, it is advised that you continue to brush the remainder of your mouth as normal but refrain from cleaning the treated area as not to disturb the stitches or the healing process.
Uncovering the dental implants and placing the abutment is a not a particularly invasive procedure. Though it is still highly recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking for a few days either side of the appointment, you will be able to clean the new abutments right away with care. Soften a soft-bristled toothbrush in water and use it to gently clean the abutments, taking care not to disturb the surrounding gum.
Once the dental implant crowns have been placed it is important to take good care of them; well-maintained dental implants can last ten years or more!
Clean your implants day and night with a soft-bristled toothbrush that has been softened in running water. Use circular brushing movements, angling the head of the toothbrush slightly towards the gum so that the margins of the implants are cleaned too. Be sure not to scrub at the implants, or the gum around them. Use the toothbrush to clean the inside and outside of the implant, along with removing plaque and debris from the top.
• Use an anti-plaque toothpaste on your implants. It is also beneficial to use a toothpaste containing fluoride: even though the fluoride is not able to incorporate itself into the implant structure like it does with normal teeth, there is evidence to show that fluoride inhibits the action of periodontitis-causing bacteria, and so using it can help protect the gums around your implant. You will most likely want to use the same toothpaste to clean your implants that you use on the rest of your mouth, so sticking with a fluoridated toothpaste for your implants as well as your teeth makes for ease of cleaning.
• Find an interdental technique that works for you. Some people find flossing a bit fiddly: if this is the case, experiment with tepe brushes, water flossing, or dental picks. Be sure to clean in-between your dental implants at least once a day.
• Specialised implant brushes can be purchased in some stores: these are brushes with only a few tufts, angled to make cleaning the sides of implants easier.
• Use an anti-plaque mouthwash twice a day to help keep the gums around your implants free from bacteria.
• It is never recommended to eat very hard foods on with dental implants. If you are eating something particularly hard, try and chew it on the side of your mouth away from the implants, if at all possible.
Though dental implants are free from the threat of decay, their foundations (bone and soft tissue) are still prone to inflammation caused by bacteria. Dental implants can suffer from peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease: it is characterised by the irreversible loss of foundation tissue, resulting in wobbly implants. It is a rare condition and with adequate oral hygiene it can be mostly avoided. If you are concerned about peri-implantitis, or think you are more prone to it due to previous or present gum disease, speak to your dentist or hygienist.
You could be a perfect candidate for dental implant supported dentures if your current dentures are:
Implant supported dentures are complete acrylic dentures that clip onto dental implants which solidly sit in your gums much like natural teeth. This can be such that the denture is removable by the patient, or fixed and only removable by a dentist. They are very successful at eliminating or greatly reducing the above problems.
Two options are available at Scott Arms Dental Practice for dental implant-retained dentures and each come with their own significant advantages:
Locators: These types of dentures fasten into place over a number of single, discrete implants. This works much like press-studs on items of clothes and is often the desirable option when patients like to minimise the feeling of a prosthesis in their mouth, as only a thin later of acrylic is needed to support the denture.
Milled-bar with clips: Dental implants are placed in the same way as locators, yet they are splinted together by a metal bar onto which the denture attaches. Though this option is slightly bulkier it is easily tolerated by most people and provides a more even load across all dental implants and even better retention.
Dental Implants are quite possibly one of the most interesting cosmetic dental options available today. They have the ability to dramatically change smiles and people’s lives. Implants are small inserts, usually made out of titanium, which fit into a patient’s jaw bone forming an artificial tooth root. This lays a stable foundation to be restored with a dental crown (artificial tooth), bridge or to fix in place a set of dentures. With proper care dental implants can last a lifetime, but can any old material be used to make the implants?
During the implant placement procedure, a surgeon will place them in the appropriate position of your jaw bone. Before this is done they will fully assess your suitability for dental implant treatment by asking a series of questions and also checking the quality of your bone using ct scanning equipment. The implant dentist will make an insertion into the correct place of the jaw bone and place the implant. This is a painless procedure and carried out using local anaesthetic. Anxious patients such as those suffering from dental phobia also have the option of being sedated during the procedure. The interesting part of the procedure happens after the implants have been placed, it is the process in which your new artificial tooth roots form a permanent bond with your jaw bone that can last a lifetime – the process of osseointegration.
Osseointegration is the formation of connecting bone between the dental implants and the patients jaw bone. The surface of the titanium dental implants is designed in a way which allows bone to grow into the pores of the implant surface to create a stable foundation which can last for the rest of a patients life. This is a direct contact between the bone and implant surface, which is dentistry’s answer to the artificial tooth root.
Because of the solid foundation dental implants provide they have been utilised by dentists to produce some amazing transformations. The main uses of dental implants are:
Titanium is a material that is well tolerated by bone and can integrate easily, allowing the process of osseointegration and forming a stable artificial tooth root that can last a lifetime with the proper care. Unlike other metals, titanium oxide can fuse with the patients jaw bone permanently.
The Scott Arms Dental Practice is one of the leading implant clinics in the West Midlands and Birmingham. We offer free dental implant consultations and interest free finance is available on dental implant treatment. Book your free implant assessment today by phoning 0121 357 5000.
Not only are dental implants the best way to replace missing teeth they can also delay one of the main signs of aging, bone shrinkage.
Dental Implants are small titanium inserts that are placed by an implant dentist into your jaw bone which can be restored with dental crowns, fixed bridges or can support a set of dentures. They look feel and function just like normal teeth allowing you to smile and eat with confidence. If looked after properly with good oral hygiene from regular brushing and flossing, dental implants can last a lifetime making them one of the most effective dental treatments available.
If a tooth is missing, the jawbone extension that supports it can slowly shrink away. This is a process called restriction, a natural process which occurs due to a loss of stimulation to the jaw bone from forces placed on the teeth. Resorption will cause the supporting bone (the alveolar bone) to shrink in both height and width over time.
As your bone jaw loses density it becomes smaller in size and weaker. Changes in jaw structure have a significant affect on the appearance of your face. Preventing bone shrinkage is important to delay one of the main signs of ageing. As teeth are lost, the remaining teeth surrounding will slowly shift position toward where the tooth was lost. Our teeth naturally move toward the front of our mouths, if there are gaps it allows the teeth to drift in a more detrimental fashion. The drifting of teeth can alter the surrounding gum tissue, producing areas which trap food that’s difficult to remove. The areas which trap food act as a fertile breeding ground for tooth decay and predisposes the teeth to periodontal disease. The movement of teeth will cause changes in your bite (occlusion) and change the physical appearance of your smile. Dental Implants are essentially artificial tooth roots, the titanium inserts insert into your jaw bone just like a tooth root would. When force is applied to the implant it is enough to stimulate the supporting bone and prevent the supporting bone from shrinking. Dental Implants also “fill the gaps” made by missing teeth, preventing the surrounding teeth from drifting and causing further problems. If you have any questions regarding Dental Implants feel free to contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 5000. At our Birmingham Dentists we offer free Dental Implant consultations where you’ll receive expert advice from our award winning implant dentists.
How can dental implants help?
Many patients seeking emergency dentist treatment in Birmingham mention a common problem, their dentures are causing them pain.
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth replacements that are usually made of acrylic that can replace multiple teeth or a full set of teeth. Usually they are held in a patients mouth temporarily and can be taken out whenever needed and can greatly improve ones smile. If you have lost some teeth, dentures can transform the way you look, eat and speak. They can be fitted straight away after a tooth has been knocked out, making them a common form of dental treatment for all ages, not just the elderly. We have fitted thousands of dentures in our Birmingham denture patients, but what can cause discomfort in a small number of patients?
Dentures will never feel like your natural teeth despite looking just like them, they aren’t attached to tooth roots and are made of a different material. When you have them fitted, your Birmingham Dentist will explain both the difficulties you’ll face wearing them as well as the advantages.
It may take up to 2 months before you’re completely used to wearing your dentures, this is perfectly normal. It’s worth leaving them out at night and possibly at some point in the day, just to give your gums a rest.
When you initially see your dentist for denture treatment, they will take an impression of your mouth and send it to a dental technician who will make your dentures. When you next visit your dentist, they will check the fit of your dentures as they may have to be slightly modified. If the dentures don’t fit correctly, they can rub against the inside of your mouth, resulting in soreness and even ulcers.
Dentures can be stabilised by dental implants to help the dentures fit more comfortably. Dental Implants are small titanium inserts that are placed into your jaw bone and act as an artificial tooth root. Dental Implants can be restored with a dental crown to act, feel and function just like a natural tooth. With dentures, dental implants can be used to attach to the dentures and stabilise them in place by fixing them to your jaw bone, much more effective than any denture adhesive!
Whilst dentures are an excellent treatment choice to replace your missing teeth, they will never obtain the same result of comfort dental implants are able to. Dental implants look and function just like normal teeth, whilst the treatment is more expensive the results are more impressive. From replacing single teeth to replacing a whole set of teeth, dental implants if looked after correctly, can last a lifetime and even delay one of the main signs of ageing (bone shrinkage).
If you’re interested in finding out more information on dentures, solving problems with your current dentures or even replacing them with dental implants, feel free to contact our highly experienced team on 0121 357 5000. With over 22 years of dental implant and denture experience, we’re confident we can help any dental problems you may have.
Whether the false teeth are to replace a single tooth or many, one out of five adults in England are wearing some kind of artificial teeth. Half of these people are over fifty-five years of age. The main problem with false teeth dentures is that they tend to be loose, they cover the palate in the upper jaw which stops patients tasting their food, and they make patients feel very self-conscious and can ‘knock’ their confidence. With those kinds of statements, more and more people are now looking for alternative ways to replace their dentures.
False teeth implants (dental implants) are the best and most natural way to replace missing teeth. They can help you regain your confident smile, chew and taste your food, and they can even prevent bone shrinkage in your jaw, which can be one of the signs of ageing. They are also a lot more affordable now that there is the option of interest free credit available.
False teeth implants replace the missing tooth and form a stable foundation for the replacement teeth. They look, feel and function like your natural teeth. Implants can be used to replace single teeth, several teeth or even a complete jaw. They can also be used to stabilise your dentures from moving about, particularly the lower dentures.
The benefits of false teeth implants over conventional methods of tooth replacement include the preservation of the gum and the supporting bone. They will help to distribute the force evenly over your remaining teeth, and therefore may help to lengthen their life span. Alternatives like bridgework involve cutting down teeth either side of the gap, and dentures can be uncomfortable to wear and some may look out of place.
At Scott Arms Dental Practice, Dr Philip Tangri has over 22 years of experience in dental implants and is one of the leading dentists and dental implant surgeons in the West Midlands and the country. During the 22 years, Philip has placed many thousands of false teeth implants resulting into thousands of happy patients and a reputation as one of the best dentists to visit for dental implants Birmingham. He has received his diploma in dental implants from the Royal College of Surgeons. Using the latest technology available, dental implants (false teeth implants) are the best option to give you the ability to smile, laugh, speak and eat with confidence.
If there’s one thing you get this year, it should be dental implants. They are an excellent investment, a permanent tooth replacement that if looked after, will last for a lifetime. Dental Implants allow you to eat with confidence, allowing you to consume those foods you simply couldn’t wearing dentures or other teeth replacement options. For patients who are going to have dental implant treatment we recommend the following information to ensure the treatment goes smoothly.
Dental Implant surgery is similar to other invasive dental procedures such as teeth extractions. However this form of dental surgery isn’t conducted in a hospital operating room, it’s carried out in a dental practice near you in Birmingham.
Dental Implant treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, during the procedure patients don’t feel any pain or discomfort. In some cases a mild sedative can be used, this is recommended to nervous and anxious patients. Dental phobia is a common problem and our Birmingham dentists at Scott Arms are highly experienced in dealing with nervous patients. To find out more check out our section on dental sedation. We recommend you have a good meal before surgery as afterwards it may be difficult to eat with a numb mouth.
Shaving excessive facial hair is recommended before implant treatment, it makes it easier to disinfect the skin and does not hinder a dentists vision. Your dental implant dentist may recommend you take antibiotics before surgery, this is different case to case but before you have dental implant treatment your implant dentist should keep you well informed of what is expected of you.
It is important to be nice and relaxed before the dental implant treatment. Ensure you are not worrying about finances, at our Birmingham implant dentists we offer interest free finance on dental implant treatment, allowing patients to spread the cost of their treatment so they don’t have to worry. There really is no reason to worry about dental implant surgery, at Scott Arms we have over 22 years of implant experience and have placed thousands of dental implants. The treatment procedure is a simple process and doesn’t take long at all, in most cases letting you return to work as normal the next day. The time it takes for the whole initial procedure is dependent upon how many implants you are having, it takes approximately 20 minutes to place each implant. Whilst they are quick to place, dental implants if looked after by proper oral hygiene, can last for the rest of your life.
To find out more about dental implant treatment book a free dental implant assessment with one of our award winning implant dentists now by phoning 0121 357 5000. This is a no obligation free consultation where you can ask any questions you have, at the Scott Arms dental practice we offer only the highest standard of implant treatment and we’re here to help our patients for the long term.
