Dental Implants
A dental implant is used in place of a missing tooth, or set of teeth, using a biocompatible titanium screw. The screw sits in place of where the missing tooth’s roots were and has a crown/ bridge (artificial tooth) attached to the top of it.
Over time, bone grows around the implant, which helps to hold it in place long-term. Each crown that is attached to the screw is specially designed to look like your other teeth. This is achieved by matching the size, shape and colour of your other teeth.
Dental implants are also used to hold a dental bridge or dentures in place.
Implants Suitability
When the jawbone is healthy and fully grown.
When there is no gum disease present or has been appropriately treated, monitored and controlled to be stable.
When there are no conditions present that affect bone healing.
The procedure
This specialist procedure is performed with the use of magnifying loupes or microscopy and additional surgical lights. Surgical miniaturised dental instruments are also used.
Placement
Removal of the damaged tooth by atraumatic tooth extraction surgery or, in the instance of no tooth, the gum is surgically incised to allow the preparation of the bone and place the implant.
The implant is fitted into the jawbone and covered while the bone fuses to the implant via a process known as the osseointegration.
Crown
Several months later, following osseointegration, a second operation may be required to uncover the top of the implant and connecting an abutment to the implant that is integrated in the bone.
Finally, the crown or bridge is fitted.
FAQs
Is the procedure painful?No. While the procedure takes place you will be under the appropriate level of pain management and sedation. After the surgery, mild discomfort is controlled with conventional pain medication. In case of implant placement with simultaneous advanced bone augmentation, the procedure is carried out under sedation or with the use of happy gas which often provide favourable relief in both pain and anxiety.
I have bone loss, can I still have a dental implant?
In most cases, yes. Bone grafting is now a routinely performed treatment in order to promote bone grow and allowing for a dental implant.
How long does it last?
Recent studies indicate dental implants can last from 10 to 30 years without performance issues. Regular and very careful care is required to maintain dental implants and additional chair-side time and maintenance costs may be needed after some years of function.
How do you take care of dental implants?
The crown attached to the screw from your implant requires regular maintenance, just like regular teeth. However, their demand for attendance is higher than your natural teeth. If well-treated cases, they are very successful and have long longevity. Yet, if not appropriately cared for, they are subjective to Peri-implant Diseases and often deteriorate at a mach faster rate than natural dentition. Regular dental visits are recommended 2-4 times per year to maintain great hygiene. Careful and consistent home oral hygiene including interdental brushing is essential for the long-term function of dental implants.
Specialist Clinical Expertise
Based on Research & Clinical Experience
Professor Quaranta is a world authority in the field of dental Implantology.Over the years, he has developed an extensive expertise and leadership in clinical research and specialist practice.
Together with his Clinical Research Team, he has successfully practised the dental implant treatments for years and is one of the pioneering in leading the new and ever-evolving concepts of contemporary Implant Dentistry.
This has resulted in the publication of numerous articles on top-rank.
Scientific journals and invitations as speaker on implant dentistry by several scientific societies, universities and dental study clubs, in both national and international occasions.
For more information, please see the Media page.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding with a surgical or invasive procedure, you should seek opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.