Larry (65), said: “It's devastating when you break a tooth off, when that front one went, it was like losing one of the children. Honestly. Because I'd always had – I thought there was never a problem with those ones at the front … But no, it is devastating when you lose teeth because it's part of you.”
Aside from the obvious problems of poor physical appearance and damaged self-esteem, missing teeth also cause subsequent dilemmas like loss of chewing ability and ineffective speech. Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced through dental implants, a procedure of choice for teeth replacement recognized by dental experts for almost 50 years.
Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They can also serve as an anchor for other dental prostheses like crowns, bridges and dentures. Dental implants are fused in the jawbone and are not visible once surgically placed. They are uniquely stable, eliminating the need for removable or partial dentures.
Our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic, Prof. Steen Sindet-Pedersen, answers the most frequently asked questions about dental implants.
Q. What factors contribute to long-term success of dental implants?
A. The amount and quality of the bone and good oral hygiene are the most important factors for long-term success of a dental implant.
Q. Are there any age limitations for dental implants?
A. No, age in itself is not a limiting factor for using dental implants.
Q. Do implants require special care?
A. Dental implants should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth, brushing and flossing twice a day.
Q. How often will I need to have my dental implants checked?
A. The implants should be checked when you have your regular dental check-ups meaning preferably every six months.
Q. How long does the whole dental implant process take? Will I be without teeth or unable to eat for a long time?
A. It depends on a number of factors, if there is enough bone of good quality the implant can be inserted and a temporary tooth fixed onto the implant within a day – the final ceramic tooth will be fitted within a week. If the process for various reasons takes longer it is possible to make a temporary tooth so you will not have a gap at any time.
Q. Are there same-day implants?
A. Yes, if there is enough bone of good quality and no infection that is possible to do.
Q. What might be some of the factors that would prevent me from being an implant candidate?
A. Active infections in the mouth including gum disease has to be treated before implants can be inserted. Diseases affecting the immune system reducing immunity is also a limiting factor as are some types of medication affecting the immune system. Finally smoking is a risk factor for long-term success of dental implants.
Q. Is dental implant surgery painful?
A. Dental implant surgery is usually done as ‘keyhole surgery’ using a local anaesthetic and is a painless procedure. There is minimal pain and discomfort after which can be easily controlled with painkillers for a short period of time.
Q. When can I return to work after implant surgery?
A. There is usually no need to be absent from work following implant surgery.
Q. I have diabetes. Can I still have implants?
A. Yes, but it is important that the blood sugar is well-controlled and that you maintain a good oral hygiene.
Q. I have gum disease. Can I still have implants?
A. Yes, but the gum disease has to be stabilised so there is no active gum disease when the implant is inserted.
Q. I've had dentures for several years and have lost a lot of jawbone. My lower dentures are floaters and I need help. Can dental implants help me?
A. Most probably yes, however, a detailed 3D scan of the jaw bones will enable simulation of the implant surgery so we know before doing the surgery what is possible.
