Dental Implants

General Information about dental implants

Am I too old for implants? You   would   generally   not   place   a   dental   implant   in   a person   younger   than   21   years   of   age   but   there   is   no upper   age   limit.   As   long   as   you   are   in   good   general health   and   do   not   suffer   from   osteoporosis   then   you may be suitable for a dental implant. Which   medical   conditions   are   contra-indicated   for implants? Osteoporosis   and   certain   auto-immune   conditions   may be   contra-indications   for   implant   placement.   Diabetes and    anything    that    impairs    healing    will    reduce    the chances   of   success.   Smoking   also   impairs   healing   and may   lessen   the   chance   of   the   implant   lasting   for   a   long time. How long can I expect an implant to last? Implants    are    one    of    the    more    predictable    dental treatments    available    but    patient    assessment    is    an important    part    of    the    process.    In    general,    10    year success    rates    of    95%    have    been    achieved    and    with regular   care   there   is   no   reason   why   they   shouldn’t   last for    decades.    Although    an    implant    cannot    get    tooth decay   it   can   get   gum   disease   just   like   a   natural   tooth; therefore     thorough     cleaning     with     floss     and     small brushes      is      recommended      as      well      as      regular professional cleaning. What    does    the    procedure    of    having    an    implant involve? A    comprehensive    assessment    by    our    specialist    oral surgeon,    Dr    Bikram    Bal    and    our    dentist    Dr    Greg Gasiorowski    will    be    necessary.    We    will    assess    your medical   and   dental   history   and   examine   all   your   teeth and   bite.   Also   the   amount   of   bone   in   the   placement site   needs   to   be   determined;   a   3D   x-ray   of   the   area may   be   needed.   The   procedure   will   be   explained   in detail.   The   placement   of   the   implant   is   done   under   a local   anaesthetic   (injection   in   the   mouth)   and   normally takes   about   an   hour.   A   week   later   we   see   you   to   check that   everything   is   healing   well   and   after   2-3   months   Dr Greg    Gasiorowski    takes    an    impression    so    that    the tooth   can   be   made   at   the   laboratory.   About   2   weeks later   the   crown   is   fitted   by   Dr   Greg   Gasiorowski.   We use    the    Straumann    implant    system    which    has    been thoroughly researched. How do I look after the implant? We   will   show   you   how   to   clean   around   the   implant using    floss    and    small    brushes.    We    also    recommend that   you   attend   check-up   and   hygiene   appointments every 3-6 months.