Dental implants - what you want to know

New meta study increase our level of confidence in dental implants - according to a report in Medical News today (Aug 2013). This report talks about a 3 year international study where only one implant was lost out of 106 placed over the three year period.
Long term studies of any type are difficult to complete and in the every changing world of implants we like to keep up with the findings from around the world. Of course every mouth and situation is different. For this reason the Dental Board of Australia does require us to warn you that having an implant is a surgical procedure and hence involves risks.
The Dental Board of Australia suggests that you should be warned to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding with any surgical procedure.

What is a dental implant?
Can anyone have a dental implant?
What is involved?
How much will implants cost?
How long do implants last?

Keeping our teeth for life is the 'aim of our game.' Unfortunately sometimes we loose an important tooth. Today we can look at a few different options to replacing teeth and restoring appearance and functionality. The closest artificial replacement to a real tooth is a dental implant.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small metal screw or post that replaces the root portion of a missing natural tooth. A replacement crown is attached to the bonded implant so the dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth. Sometimes a few implants may be used in conjunction with a denture to give greater stability to the denture. In some cases the alternative to a dental implant is bridgework. With bridgework an artificial tooth is attached to the surrounding teeth. Where bridgework is used some aspect of just one of the supporting teeth may cause failure of the whole structure, whereas with dental implants each tooth can stand on its own merits.

Can anyone have a dental implant?
Your dental and general health will be carefully evaluated before you have a dental implant. Depending on the area of tooth loss and the amount of bone missing, when a tooth is not present we can discuss whether this is an option for you to consider. Successful joining of the bone and the implant requires good periodontal health so if you have a higher risk of getting gum disease, e.g. diabetic, you may not be a good candidate for a dental implant.
You must also be committed to great oral hygiene to help keep the supporting bone healthy.

What is involved?
You may have friends who report they had a metal post placed or screwed into the bone and yet they report the cost to be a lot less than what we will quote you. This may not be a dental implant. It may be a post/crown where the natural root remains in the bone. This treatment is quite different.
A dental implant involves surgery. This may be done by the dentist or a specialist. It may involve two stage surgery (surgery on two separate visits) or a single visit. This should not be painful, although there may be some post surgery discomfort which will be managed with pain killers. An anesthetic with sedation may be used at the time of the initial surgery.
In most cases a temporary tooth or appliance will be placed in your mouth until the implant and crown are completed.

NOTE: The Dental Board of Australia requires us to have the following warning about any surgical or invasive procedure because they carries risks.We value the opportunity to explain the risks to you.
Warning: Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

How much will it cost?
Implants are generally slightly more expensive than bridges. You will not necessarily need an implant for every tooth you have lost. We really need to see you to look at what would be most suitable for your mouth.

How long do implants last?
Dental bridges supported by implants have been shown to last over 15 years in 90 % of cases. The first "modern" implant was placed in a patients mouth in about 1965. Techniques and materials are still constantly improving in this field.
ADA (American Dental Association) Survey Reveals Increase in Dental Implants Over Five-year Period April 2002

Is it important to take care of the implants after the treatment is completed?
Long term success of the dental implant depends on YOU. You must look after your gums and teeth everyday and make sure you have regular dental visits to maintain health of the implant and the rest of your mouth
.