Treatments
Dental implant
A dental implant is a permanent, artificial tooth that replaces a tooth that is missing.
About This Treatment
Whether you’ve already lost one or more teeth, or have just been told that a tooth needs to be removed, the impact can be devastating. One of the best options modern dentistry offers is dental implant treatment.
A dental implant has 3 parts:
- A post, made from titanium, that is placed into the jaw bone to acts as a tooth root
- An abutment or connector, also made from titanium, which is placed on top of the post above the bone
- A crown, usually made from high-grade glass-like material, which is built around the abutment and looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Sinus Lift or Sinus Augmentation
This procedure is used when more bone is needed in the upper jaw before placing an implant.
The sinus is a normal space inside the cheekbones behind the bridge of the nose. It can be compared to an air filled pocket whose main function is to keep the head lighter and the voice deeper. In the events where an implant needs to be placed in the area where the sinuses are (upper premolar and molar location) and there isn’t enough bone to be placed, the lower floor of the sinus can be lifted to add the necessary amount of bone to place an implant. This is called a sinus lift.
When Is a Sinus Lift Needed?
Not all implant cases require a lift, reasons for needing a sinus lift include:
- Long-term tooth loss in the upper jaw (particularly the back teeth)
- Trauma
- Bone loss from Periodontal (gum) disease
- Damage to the bone from a previous surgical procedure
- Your maxillary sinus is simply just too close to (or too large for) the area where the implant needs to be placed
Often, due to some type of trauma injury, or due to some form of periodontal gum disease, patients will lose bone matter in their upper jaw area – this impedes a dental implant from being placed. In order to combat this issue, a sinus lift procedure is often performed.
Advanced Platelet rich plasma fibrin technique
Advanced PRF can be used for a number of dental procedures, including treatment of bone defect, extractions, sinus lifts, gum grafts, dry socket prevention
The technique consists of utilising a small sample of the patient’s own blood to enhance hard and soft tissue grafting procedures. Not only does the treatment reduce healing times, but it also decreases discomfort and improves the overall patient experience.
The innovative technology has been used in dentistry for over ten years with much success. Platelet-rich fibrin treatment has been widely used in heart surgery, orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery and dermatology.
Advanced PRF involves the creation of a thin, durable layer of platelet-rich fibrin. The proteins in the fibrin encourage quicker healing, and when applied directly to the wound, cause the wound to close more quickly, and reduce the chances of infection.
Benefits of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin:
- Easy, safe procedure
- Utilizes patient’s own blood
- Improves wound healing
- Reduces discomfort
Every patient’s platelet rich fibrin is produced from their own blood, which eliminates the chances for rejection or any infection, and is scientifically proven to increase healing abilities.
At A Glance
Treatment Time
60 to 90 Minutes for One Implant
Number of visit until completion:
4
Result
Improved Smile
Downtime
None
Longevity
Permanent
Everything you want and need from a dental provider and their office – clear communication and expectation setting, high quality care, and lovely staff. I’ve had a complicated dental history and was apprehensive about getting my first implant work done, but Dr. Germain made me feel more confident and reassured throughout the process. I am very optimistic about the future of my dental health thanks to her attentive level of care!
- How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take? What Can I Expect?
In general, a single tooth implant where the patient has good bone quality, the entire treatment can be completed over 5-6 months and requires 4-5 appointments.
Here is a more detailed description of what would happen at each of your appointments for dental implants in London:
Appointment 1: To determine the appropriate site for the dental implant placement, our dental implant specialists will take x-rays. CT scans can also be prescribed in order to have a better view of the bone where the implant needs to be placed. Impressions of your teeth can also be taken and then so that the dental laboratory can create a customized dental implant restoration. Many dental implant specialists fabricate surgical guides to simplify the placement of the dental implants.
Appointment 2: Our Periodontist, who is the specialist of the bone and gums, places the implant at the site of the missing tooth. The area is made numb and the gum lifted open. Once the dental implant is secured, the gum tissue is sutured back over the dental implant.
Appointment 3: In cases where stitches are required, they will be removed 7 to 10 days later. The area is then left undisturbed for three to six months to allow it to osseointegrate with the bone. If the dental implant is in a visible area of the mouth, a temporary will be fabricated to replace the missing tooth.
Appointment 4: Once the dental implant has been completely integrated with the bone, an impression is taken and sent to the lab to have an implant crown fabricated. Dr. Alexandra Germain uses her cosmetic dental expertise to create the permanent tooth replacement.
Appointment 5: The final implant crown and connectors are attached to the implant root and the dental implant treatment is complete. The crown is adjusted in your mouth so that it feels like your old missing tooth.
- What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants? Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Even the best dental bridges and dentures cannot compare to the look and feel of properly done dental implants. Dental implants are also permanently fixed. If you are looking for the best possible appearance, function and feel, then undertaking dental implant treatment is your best solution.
- Do I Need a Dental Implant? Suitable For:
You are definitely a candidate for dental implants if you have one of the following:
-A missing tooth
-A tooth damaged from a sport injury such as a hockey or a rugby accident
-A broken tooth
-A fractured tooth
-A loose tooth
-A severely decayed tooth
-A cracked tooth
-A tooth that has a failed root canal
-An alternative to dentures- I Have Been Told I Do Not Have Enough Bone, Can I Still Have an Implant?
Bone graft procedures have enabled patients with a lack of bone to have implants placed.
Our periodontist can discuss and explain the different types of grafts that can be performed (among which block graft, Allograft etc).
- What is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft (hyperlink to bone graft page) is animal bone (usually cow) that has been frozen. It is taken from a little packet. This material acts as a scaffold to allow your own bone to grow over the area where the bone is missing, attracting your natural bone to grow again.
- How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
Published clinical research shows that implant supported restorations have been successful for over 30 years with success rates now reaching over 95%.
Dental implants are designed to be permanent but there are many factors that contribute to their longevity. Home care and regular visits to the dentist or specialist are probably the most critical aspects. However, smoking, grinding of the teeth, or too much pressure on the implants can alter their success.
By comparison, research shows that the typical tooth supported bridge lasts from 7-10 years and that partials and complete dentures last an average of only 5 years.
Prices
Financing Available
Stage 1 Implant Placement Surgery : From £1795 Stage 2 Implant Restoration / Crown: From £1650
