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| Implant
placement process |
In the traditional
method, two surgeries are required, with three to six months
between them. During the first surgery, an incision is made
in the gum where the implant will be placed. A hole is drilled
in the bone, the implant is placed into the hole in the bone,
and the incision is stitched closed.
At the end of the healing period, a second surgery takes place.
It involves making a new incision to expose the implant. A collar,
called an abutment, is screwed onto the top of the implant.
The abutment is used to support the crown.
One-stage implant – The implant
is placed into a new, healing or healed extraction site and
is visible above the gum immediately after placement. The advantage
of this method is that a second surgical stage is not necessary
to expose the implant. In this procedure, your dentist can place
the implants, and place a temporary crown or bridge all in one
visit. The implant will not normally be ready to support a tooth
for several weeks of months. |
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Two-stage
implant – The implant is placed into a new, healing of
healed extraction site and then covered by a layer of gum so
that it cannot be seen – this is the first stage. At the second
stage some weeks of months later, the implant is uncovered and
components added bringing it above the gum ready to begin placing
a new tooth.
Same day implants – This technique
is most often used to treat the lower jaw and requires considerable
planning before the actual day of surgery. Several implants
are installed and a few hours later a complete arch of temporary
of permanent teeth can be fixed in place. If temporary teeth
are used these will normally be replaced with a permanent bridge
after a suitable healing interval. Not all patients are suitable
for this style of treatment.
Immediate implant – For this technique
a tooth is removed and an implant placed immediately into the
extraction site. Depending upon the local bone and soft tissue
conditions, the implant surgery may be a one- or two-stage procedure.
Not all patients are suitable for this approach.
Immediate implant and early loading – This
is distinctly different from an immediate implant placement.
It is effectively a one-stage technique where the implant is
placed into a new, healing or healed extraction site and is
fitted with a new tooth at the same appointment. This first
tooth will normally be kept out of direct contact with opposing
teeth for a healing period of more than 3 months, after which
it is finally restored. This technique tends to be more common
in regions of the mouth where optimum aesthetics are important.
Again, not all patients are suitable for this approach.
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| How long
will the implants last? |
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| Will I feel
pain during or after the procedure ? |
During the
period after the new teeth are fitted, the success of each treatment
stage will be the main factor determining how the implants are
performing. Once the implants and surrounding soft tissues are
seen to be healthy and the new teeth comfortable and correctly
adjusted, it is the quality of your home care and willingness
to present for regular maintenance reviews that will have most
influence on how long they will last.
When poorly cared for, implants will develop a covering of hard
and soft deposits (Calculus and plaque) which is very similar
to that found on neglected natural teeth. Untreated, these deposits
can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort,
just as can occur around natural teeth. It could probably be
said that implants much like teeth will last for as long as
you can keep them clean.
Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected
to last for many years and probably for your lifetime. However,
just as you would expect conventional crowns, bridges and fillings
to need occasional repairs or replacements during their lifetime,
you
implant-supported teeth may also have similar maintenance requirements
over theirs. |
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