Frequently Asked Questions

Titanium is an extremely biological-friendly material, i.e. gum and bone bond well to this. It is also very strong, so that once placed in the jaw bone it becomes a replacement for the missing tooth’s root structure.

Successful implant placement does require a certain amount of bone. In the absence of sufficient bone, bone grafting or augmentation procedures are usually possible. In very rare cases a lack of bone can make implant placement impossible.

Local anaesthetic at our surgery ensures that the implant placement procedure is comfortable. A general anaesthetic in hospital is available should you wish and may be the best option for more complex cases.

Initial post-operative discomfort can be considerable and is best managed with some strong oral pain relief. Substantial improvement usually occurs the following day and can usually be managed by more mild oral painkillers.

Some bleeding, bruising and swelling should also be expected but is usually minor. Multiple implants are usually more uncomfortable than single implants and sites where grafting has occurred are often more uncomfortable.

The number of visits required, and the timeframe of treatment often depend on the circumstances of the case. Simple cases can be completed quickly in two visits, whereas more complex cases can require a number of appointments over several months. We will provide a personalised treatment plan which will detail the number of visits you will need.

With good care and regular dental visits, the lifespan of a dental implant is usually at least 15 years. Over the long term you are more likely to have a problem with the crown, bridge or denture on your implant than the implant itself.

Implants are an ideal tooth replacement option for many patients. Implants are not a suitable option if:

• the patient is under 18 years of age
• the patient is medically compromised
• there is insufficient space or bone to enable placement

Dental implant costs can vary due to several factors. The dental implant costs are usually calculated from the number of dental implants to be inserted and the complexity of the case. Additional costs may arise if the bone or soft tissue has to be built up to support the dental implant.

Bone grafting is the replacement of the bone around the teeth.

Bone grafting is performed to reverse the bone loss caused by Periodontal disease, tooth loss, or ill-fitting removable dentures. When one loses a tooth, the surrounding bone shrinks over time. To preserve this bone for implant placement or aesthetics, a bone graft is used.

Autograft - bone taken from one area of the patient and transplanted to another area.

Xenograft - bovine/cow bone.

Allograft - synthetic bone.

Membranes are often used to help stabilize the bone graft as well as displace the gum tissue from invading the healing bone graft. Gum tissue grows at a much faster rate than bone, therefore, membranes are used to prevent gum tissue from growing in and displacing the bone graft before it matures.

Guided bone/tissue regeneration is used to repair deficiencies around previously placed dental implants or to create additional bone in areas before placing dental implants. After a bone grafting procedure, gum tissue grows at a much faster rate than bone. To prevent the gum tissue from growing in and displacing the bone graft before it matures - a membrane is used.

Dental Plaque is a soft deposit of bacteria that forms on teeth and hard dental surfaces.

Calculus (also known as tartar) is hard deposits of bacteria that form on teeth and hard dental surfaces. If plaque cannot be effectively removed, it will harden to form calculus. Calculus contributes to the gums losing their attachment to the teeth, causing pockets between the gum and teeth.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums which causes them to become red, swollen and prone to bleeding. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque and calculus. It is a reversible disease provided good oral hygiene practices are used.

Periodontal disease can be prevented. Long-term plaque control techniques help to prevent Periodontal/gum disease. Regular visits to your Periodontist or hygienist will result in long term health benefits and financial savings.

Periodontitis refers to the inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the bone which surrounds the teeth, and when left untreated, can lead to the loosening and consequent loss of teeth.