Conventional implants look and feel like your own teeth.
We can use one implant to replace a single missing tooth, or we can use multiple implants to replace a whole missing arch of teeth. In instances where we find the bone volume or quality to be inadequate, we carry out a routine procedure called bone grafting, or a sinus lift if there is not enough bone in the upper jaw.
It is good to keep in mind that most dentists would recommend keeping your own natural teeth rather than extraction and implantation, but in the cases where this is not possible, dental implants can provide patients with a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
How Conventional Implants Work
Stage 1
Before a conventional implant can be placed you start with an empty space left by a missing tooth, or if there is a damaged tooth it will need to be removed.
Stage 2
The first stage involves placing a small titanium screw into your jawbone. Titanium is a highly biocompatible material and therefore integrates with the bone tissue to form a new, stable tooth “root”. The implant takes three to six months to fuse with the bone and form a solid structure.
Stage 3
When the bone has healed around the implant, an abutment is attached to the implant fixture. This is a ceramic or titanium component that ensures a secure fit between the dental implant and the crown.
Stage 4
Once the dental implant and the abutment are in place, we fit the porcelain crown up to the edge of the gum line to replicate a natural tooth. The dental implant is now complete. In most cases, it is virtually impossible to see the difference between your own natural teeth and the new implant tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you receive dental implants, your suitability for the procedure will be assessed by one of our clinicians. A variety of factors determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for conventional implants. These include adequate bone (in terms of density and volume – though a deficiency can be overcome with bone grafting), good oral hygiene and dental health, and whether you meet the general medical requirements.
The dental implant procedure can be performed either under local anaesthetic in the dental surgery or under general anaesthetic as day surgery in a hospital.
In dental implant procedures done under local anaesthetic, the area where the implant is to be placed is completely numbed. You will be awake for the procedure and aware of what is happening, and you may feel some pressure around the area.
After your implant procedure you may feel sore for a few days. This is normal and you can manage the pain with painkillers if necessary. It is important that you maintain regular dental check-ups every 6 months afterwards to safeguard the health of your teeth and gums.
There are a number of different costs involved in conventional implants. These include the cost of any extraction, of your replacement denture or bridge while your implant is being prepared, and of the implant procedure itself (at Core Dental this will be carried out by a registered specialist). Your clinician should be able to give you an estimate of costs based on your individual treatment plan. At Core Dental we provide this estimate during the consultation that precedes your implant treatment.
When well maintained with proper cleaning at home as well as professional dental cleaning, conventional implants can be expected to last for 10 to 15 years. However, as with crowns, bridges and fillings, they may need to be replaced at some point.
Your dental implants will function just the same as your natural teeth, so you need to make sure you look after them with the same amount of care. At Core Dental we are very passionate about good oral hygiene. By properly brushing and flossing your teeth every day, as well as visiting your dentist for a check up every six months, you can help ensure your teeth, both natural and implants, last for years.
At Core Dental your initial consultation as well as any aftercare and maintenance will take place with a general dentist, but a specialist will take care of all surgical components of your dental implant treatment.
Our general dentist:
Our specialist periodontists (specialists in gums and dental bone support)