You’re here because you’re interested in dental Implants, so lets get back to basics:
What is a dental implant?
An implant is the most tooth-like option currently available to replace a tooth. It is usually made of two parts which are the implant itself that acts like the root of the tooth, and an implant-retained crown that is either screwed or cemented onto the underlying implant. Numerous studies show the success rates of implants are around 95-97% across 10 years making it the single most effective long-term tooth replacement option.
The implant is generally made of titanium, however more recent innovations have led to ‘metal free’ implants that are manufactured from zirconia. Studies have shown excellent biocompatibility of zirconium along with reduced plaque accumulation leading to a reduced risk of implant failure. Zirconia implants are particularly beneficial to replace front teeth as they are tooth coloured so there is no risk of the metal part of a titanium implant becoming visible after potential recession of the gum over time.
What is the process of implant placement?
The following is a general outline and this sequence can very depending on specific circumstances.
Preliminary consultation - A fact finding mission where we get to know each other and then carefully consider the best possible treatment options for your individual case. A thorough clinical and radiographic examination is carried out and the various options for treatment are discussed and then agreed upon based on individual requirements.
A CBCT scan (3D x-ray) may be required to aid with planning and is case dependant. If this can not be completed in-house then you will be referred to Dental Scanning Services who are a mobile scanning unit and this will be sent to me for assessment.
A detailed treatment plan and consent form is sent over to you after the consultation outlining our conversation and preliminary plan. Any questions are answered and treatment only commences once you are completely happy with the proposed plan.
Temporary teeth will be made if we are replacing teeth which will be visible and these will be ready to fit at the time of surgery.
After meticulous planning we are then ready to proceed with surgery. Treatment is usually performed under local anaesthetic however sedation can be used if this is preferable. The implants are usually placed along with any additional bone augmentation, however sometimes we will augment the bone at a separate appointment.
A review is performed after two weeks to assess the healing process and remove the stitches.
Approximately 3-6 months after implant placement a digital scan for the implant prosthesis (crown or bridge) is taken. All implant prosthesis are 100% bespoke and specifically made to fit the exact space of the missing teeth. They are designed and made by highly skilled lab technicians using only the best quality materials.
The prosthesis are attached onto the implants and the post-operative cleaning and maintenance regime is explained in detail.
We are excited for you to click the link and start your implant journey!
Have you been told you don’t have enough bone?
In order to place implants we must have sufficient bone present to secure the implant into. Many patients have been advised they have insufficient bone for implants due to bone loss after extractions or a low sinus floor.
This is very rarely the case as there are numerous effective ways to re-grow bone and allow for implant placements. Using the most updated techniques we can augment areas of defective bone and promote additional growth with careful grafting procedures.
Contact me for a consultation to assess your situation and discuss your options.
Why would you benefit from treatment by ORB implants?
Implant treatment can feel like a daunting procedure along with a sizeable investment. It is understandable that you would want to have confidence in the surgeon treating you and understand how regularly they perform the procedures and what their experience is.
I work at numerous dental practices placing and restoring implants every day.
My assistant, Chiara, works with me full-time and we have developed an effective workflow over the past few years to ensure a seamless treatment process.
Repetition is the key to mastery. I place around 200-250 implants per year; approximately 20-30 per month which equates to an average of one or two almost every day.
We use only the very highest quality materials including Nobel Biocare who are the pioneering implant company with over 5000 studies supporting their products. They have shown over 25+ years the long term success rates of their implants is exceptional and they are industry leading with continued innovations.
Nobel Biocare also provides an Implant Passport which you can take anywhere in the world and should you experience an issue with your implant they will send out the necessary items to resolve the problem free-of-charge.