Dental Implants
Dental Implants are the next best thing to natural teeth.
“Absolutely first class. I can not recommend the service enough. The care was wonderful and everyone was so kind and caring. Thank you for my lovely smile”. Dr Soni>
“Absolutely first class. I can not recommend the service enough. The care was wonderful and everyone was so kind and caring. Thank you for my lovely smile”. Viv Ryan
Small titanium screws are placed into the jaw bone to create a permanent root.
Dental implants can help secure loose dentures, eliminate dentures or replace missing teeth.
Dr Mukesh Soni at Soni Dental Implants has placed over 8,000 Dental implants. Most placements are completed under sedation.
Dental Implant Treatments
Dental Implant procedures include:
- Mini-implants
- Bone grafting
- Sinus grafting
- Denture stabilisation
- Same day teeth
- Single and multiple replacements
- Replacement for traumatised teeth
What are Implants?
Missing teeth can often be replaced by implants.
Implants are made of Titanium and act like roots of teeth. After they have been fitted and have healed in place, dentures or crowns may be attached to them. When dentures are held in place by implants they do not slip around. If crowns are fitted on implants they act like normal teeth.
Implants can only be placed if there is enough bone present in the jaw. When teeth are lost the bone around the teeth gradually dissolves away. If too much bone has been lost it is sometimes possible to grow bone in its place.
What are the Alternatives?
For people who have no remaining teeth:
- Wearing complete dentures
- Having Implants which secure their dentures in place
- Having Implants which support Crowns and Bridges
- Having no replacements for their missing teeth
For people who have some of their own teeth:
- Crowns and Bridges supported by Implants
- Partial Dentures secured by Implants
- Partial Dentures
- Bridges
- No Replacements for the missing teeth
As a principle, as many implants as possible should be used.
This allows the stresses of biting to be spread over the maximum number of implants.
It is possible to have two or three implants placed, to use them for a while and then sometime later, to add more implants. An example of this is a patient with no teeth. They can have two or more implants placed by attaching their denture to the implants, the dentures can be held firm in place.
Later more implants can be added and eventually crowns placed on the implants eliminating the denture altogether.
Sometimes people find it more convenient to proceed in stages.
To plan the most suitable treatment certain information is helpful. For example photographs, X-rays, models of your teeth and jaws, and in some circumstances, a more comprehensive x-ray evaluation using a C.A.T. Scan may be helpful to give greater detail of the shape of your jaws.
Implants survive best in a healthy environment. Any tooth decay or gum problems need to be resolved before implants are placed to give them the best chance of success.
Gum Health
This may involve the use of a special brushing method, toothpicks and little “bottle” brushes. Some gum treatment may be necessary.
Removal of Unsaveable Teeth
Despite the great advances in modern dentistry some teeth may have reached a stage at which no treatment can save them. It is often best to remove them at an early stage.
Having Implants Fitted
Implants may be fitted using local anaesthetic, with or without sedation or under general anaesthesia.
Book Your Free Implant Consultation
020 3292 0580 or 07950 464 276
Additional Procedures
Despite the thoroughness of our planning extra procedures are sometimes required during treatment to produce the best results. It is important that in this event you accept that appropriate alternative treatment is performed at the time of treatment although it may be different to that already planned.
Sometimes bone may be lost around an implant. There are procedures available to treat these situations.
After the placement of implants, the under surface of the denture may require modification to accommodate implants. The use of denture adhesive may be necessary to keep dentures in place during the healing period after implants have been placed.
Implantology is a rapidly advancing science. We may take advantage of some of the new procedures as they become available. Alterations to your original plan may therefore be made during your treatment.
After-effects of having implants are usually mild and may include slight bruising, dull ache, swelling and discomfort. The effects vary depending on the number of implants being placed. When choosing a date for implants placement avoid significant social engagements and work commitments for a week later. This is just to be on the safe side. Taking time off work is not usually necessary. However, depending on the amount of implants being placed and the complexity of the case you may want to consider taking few days off.
Denture wearers may require their dentures modifying to prevent them resting on newly placed implants. During setting settling in stages, metal framework dentures may need to be replaced with a plastic set as they are more easily adjustable. The fitting surface can then be altered when the implants are placed.
When dentures are supported by implants biting force is greatly increased resulting in better chewing power. Sometimes denture breakage may occur due to this increased power. Reinforcing dentures may be necessary.
If anything arises that you are concerned about, telephone immediately. Usually there is nothing to worry about but it is best to check.
With any operation, there are risks, which should be taken into account. There is the risk of bruising, swelling and discomfort as a result of any procedure. Dental surgical procedures, performed in the back of the lower jaw, run a risk of damage to nerves supplying the lower lip and jaw. Damage to these nerves may cause temporary or, in rare circumstances, permanent numbness to the cheeks or lips.
This depends on the complexity of the treatment. To start with, there is a treatment planning which may last a month or so. Then there may be some time spent on such preparatory procedures as improving gum health, removing any unsaveable teeth and growing bone. After the implants are placed they are left to settle in place from three to six months. The final fitting of crowns or bridges or the attaching of dentures to the implants takes a month or two. The time depends on your individual situation.
Special Medication will be prescribed for you to help healing and produce minimal discomfort. To gain the most benefit follow the instructions given.
Aftercare
Both smoking and alcohol consumption reduce the survival of implants. The success rate of your implants will therefore be reduced by smoking and high alcohol consumption.
To ensure that nay problems are detected early, regular maintenance check-ups including X-rays are advisable. Problems, if detected early, are more easily treated.
Check-ups nay be advisable three, four or six monthly.
During treatment fees may vary due to:
- Alternative procedures required due to changes in treatment plan.
- New treatments becoming available in the course of your treatment.
- Treatment extending over a longer period of time than expected.
If for some reason it is not possible to proceed with the planned procedure at the treatment appointment, the time spent will be charged at the normal hourly rate. An Alternative treatment may be performed if considered appropriate.
If you have queries about your treatment at any time or if any problem arises contact us immediately.
Success depends on your body reaction to implants and your personal care of them. Success rates are constantly improving due to improved techniques.
Natural teeth have an increasing success rates as awareness of the need for looking after them becomes more accepted. However, there could not be a need for implants if teeth were totally successful. Implants fail due to gum disease as teeth do. Keeping implants clean of plaque is as important as keeping teeth free of plaque.
Success rates for implants now compare favourably with all other forms of dentistry. If an implant does not heal in place satisfactorily, it will require removal and replacement at a later date. The first year is the most critical.
Porcelain crowns attached to implants can break as they can when attached to natural teeth. Removal of crowns from the implants for repair is however easier than from natural teeth.
The need for regular check-ups is as important as with natural teeth, if not more so. If any deterioration starts to occur, treatment needs to be started immediately.