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By: Dr Jess Wong
The WHO WHAT WHY WHEN WHERE of Implants
Dental implants are a popular and highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. If you’re looking for a durable, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, dental implants might be the perfect choice for you. At Mascot Dental Clinic, we want to keep you smiling your whole life and implants may be the ideal solution to fill in that missing tooth gap!
WHO Is Suitable for Implants?
Almost everyone is suitable for dental implants, but there are considerations that may make an implant less predictable. Other treatments may be necessary before starting your implant journey. Some things that we will look at:
Bone Quality
One of the most critical factors in determining suitability for dental implants is bone quality. Dental implants require a solid foundation, and this is provided by the bone in your jaw. We wouldn’t want to build a house on a shaky foundation, nor would we want to put an implant on unstable bone. If there is insufficient bone density or volume, the implant may not be able to fuse properly, leading to failure. Patients who have experienced bone loss due to gum disease, tooth loss, or trauma may need to undergo bone grafting procedures to increase the density of the bone in their jaw. In some cases, a CT scan may be required to assess the quality of the bone more accurately.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can affect your candidacy for dental implants. For example:
- Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for implant failure. It reduces blood flow to the gums and bones, slowing the healing process and increasing the chances of infection. While smokers are not automatically disqualified from receiving implants, it is strongly recommended to quit smoking before undergoing the procedure.
- Periodontitis: Active gum disease, particularly periodontitis, must be treated before dental implants are considered. The presence of infection or inflammation in the gums can compromise the implant’s stability and increase the risk of failure.
- Osteoporosis: This weakens bones, making it more difficult for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. In some cases, treatment for osteoporosis may need to be adjusted before proceeding with dental implants.
In addition to these conditions, general health issues such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases may need to be managed before dental implants are placed. We may also need to consult with your doctor to evaluate any potential risks based on your health status.
Space
The implant itself, along with the crown that will be attached, requires a specific amount of space. We wouldn’t want the implant to be too close to the roots of other teeth or important structures. This space must be sufficient to accommodate the size of the implant and still allow for the proper function and appearance of your other teeth. If there is not enough space due to crowding or shifting of teeth after tooth loss, orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners may be required to make room for the implant. Alternatively, smaller implant options or different types of restorations might be recommended.
Obstructions
When planning for dental implants, we will also evaluate the proximity of important structures in your mouth, such as nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses. Implants must be placed with precision to avoid damaging these structures.
- Nerves: The inferior alveolar nerve runs along the lower jaw, and any contact with this nerve during implant placement could result in numbness or pain. A careful evaluation of the nerve’s location using imaging techniques is crucial to avoid complications.
- Blood Vessels: Major blood vessels in the mouth must be avoided to prevent excessive bleeding and ensure the implant heals properly.
- Sinuses: In the upper jaw, the maxillary sinuses must be taken into account. If an implant is placed too close to the sinuses, it may cause issues with sinus function. In some cases, a sinus lift, a procedure that increases the amount of bone available below the sinus, may be necessary to accommodate the implant.
WHAT are Implants Made Of?
1. The Implant (Fixture) The implant itself, often referred to as the fixture, is the part that is surgically placed into your jawbone. It is usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible, meaning it can fuse with your bone through a process called osseointegration. This forms a solid and permanent foundation for the replacement tooth.
2. The Abutment Once the implant has successfully integrated with your jawbone, an abutment is attached to it. The abutment acts as a connector, holding the crown (the visible part of the tooth) securely in place. Abutments can be made from titanium, zirconia, or gold, providing both strength and aesthetics depending on your needs.
3. The Crown The crown is the top part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth. Crowns are usually made of ceramic or porcelain, materials that are strong, durable, and can be colour-matched to your existing teeth. In some cases, metal-based crowns might be used, especially in areas of high stress, such as the molars.
WHY Should I Get Implants?
1. Improved Chewing Efficiency It’s hard to chew with a missing tooth! Chewing can place stress in all different directions and so remaining teeth may crack or break over time. More “chewing units” can help spread out the load and so it is less likely that other teeth will become damaged.
2. Durability and Longevity With proper care, dental implants can last many years or even decades. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced with time, implants fuse with your jawbone, providing a stable and permanent solution.
3. Enhanced Comfort and Confidence Dental implants are securely anchored in your jaw, so you won’t have to worry about them slipping or shifting, as is common with dentures. This stability allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
4. Natural Look and Feel Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your existing teeth, making them nearly indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
5. No Impact on Neighbouring Teeth Unlike traditional bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, implants don’t affect nearby teeth. This helps preserve the health of your surrounding teeth while offering a strong, independent replacement.
WHEN Can I Get My Implant?
After a tooth is removed, we usually need to wait a period of time before an implant can be placed. Although ‘immediate implants’ are possible, they would usually not be suitable if there is infection or insufficient bone. Once we have good bone quality (usually 3-6 months after extraction of the tooth), we can begin the implant process. Sometimes during the extraction process, we may recommend applying bone grafting to increase the volume of bone at site.
1. Placing the Implant The first step is surgically placing the dental implant into your jawbone. The implant itself is a small titanium post that acts as the root of your new tooth. It’s carefully inserted into the bone, where it will eventually fuse with your jaw through a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a strong foundation for the new tooth. After the implant is placed, we usually wait a few months for healing and complete osseointegration.
2. Attaching the Abutment Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, the second step involves attaching an abutment. The abutment is a connector piece that sits on top of the implant and will hold the crown in place and helps to shape the gum. This step is typically done after the healing period, and a small amount of gum tissue may need to be removed to expose the implant before attaching the abutment.
3. Placing the Crown The final step is placing the custom-made crown on the abutment. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size, giving you a seamless and natural-looking smile. Once the crown is secured, you’ll have a fully functional replacement tooth that looks and feels just like the real thing.
WHERE Can I Get My Implant?
At Mascot Dental Clinic! Dr Liam is our resident implant guru and is in Mascot on Saturdays. If you get your regular dental checkups with us, an implant consultation is usually complimentary!
So What Should I Do?
Dental implants can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, but not everyone is an ideal candidate. Bone quality, existing medical conditions, available space, and potential obstructions must all be carefully considered before undergoing the procedure. Schedule an appointment with Dr Liam or one of our other dentists for a consultation to see if your a suitable candidate or if you have any other concerns.