What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a synthetic tooth formed with a titanium root, used to replace one or more teeth that have been lost through injury or decay. The practice has really taken off over the last decade, as more people realise they can have a complete smile, with a solid, durable tooth that feels like their own. Aside from the aesthetic reasons, it’s important to replace any broken or knocked out teeth as soon as possible to prevent other damage from occurring. Gaps in a row of teeth can distribute weight unevenly along the jaw and constant pressure from chewing can drastically alter the position and structure of the remaining teeth. If left untreated, this condition may lead to further problems with jaw movement and face shape. Dental implants not only fill an unsightly socket, but they also help with re-distributing the pressure on natural teeth and, because they are so hard-wearing, they can function as a normal tooth does without any trouble.

How are they fixed in?

Titanium implants are so effective because they are screwed right into the jaw bone itself, they don’t just sit in the gums. The dentist creates a new socket in the soft tissue and then fixes the metal rods tightly into the bone, creating a solid base to attach the replica teeth. It can take up to nine months for the bone to bond fully with the titanium and for the gums to heal, after this time the new teeth can be fitted.

If the patient has been without a number of teeth for some time, this can lengthen the process somewhat. The dentist will carry out an x-ray, which is likely to show that there has been some degree of deterioration in the jawbone – this happens when there are no teeth chewing to stimulate growth. If this is the case, a bone graft is needed to rebuild the jaw and provide a foundation to anchor the new roots into. Although this can stretch out the healing time, most patients would agree that it’s worth the wait to see the job done to the highest standards. Dental technicians at the Pearl Dental Clinic in London are seeing more and more people coming through their doors asking for a permanent solution to their missing teeth, and dental implants are the answer to many of their problems.

Why are they made of titanium?

It might sound like something out of a sci-fi film, but titanium is a highly durable material that can bond with human tissue better than any other metal, it’s also resistant to rust and won’t cause infections beneath the gum line. Because titanium is so hard wearing it means that the new tooth can be rooted deeply into the tissue and it will become very solid as it heals. Bridges and dentures are far less permanent and won’t stand the test of time as well as implants.

Are there different types of implants?

There are several kinds of dental implants, which one is used depends on what condition the jaw is in before treatment begins.

Root form implant – This is the most widely used implant in the dental industry, mainly due to strength and versatility. They are fixed in place with a titanium rod in the jawbone, and then an attachment is added on the tip so that the synthetic teeth can be cemented into place. Whether they are used for one tooth or many, the roots won’t lose their integrity because they are bonded directly to the bone. Most root form implants will last for decades if properly fitted and cared for.

Plate form implant – These are fitted in a similar way to root implants, but instead of using rods of titanium, the dentist will cut a hole in the gum and insert a small metal plate to bond with the bone underneath. In some cases, patients with plate form implants will be fitted with new teeth straight away, without having to wait six months or more for the gums to heal. This type of implant is not typically used for people who have a thin or weak jaw, because the bone won’t be strong enough to support the new teeth.

Mini implants – These are – as their name suggests – smaller implants that are used to replace missing teeth until their full sized counterparts are ready to be fitted, this is to prevent ongoing wear and tear on remaining teeth or to make a smile appear more natural in the interim. Although they are usually used on a temporary basis, they are sometimes fixed long-term, depending on the position of the tooth and how strong the jawbone is. Patients with a thinner jaw can benefit from mini implants, as they don’t require as much bone width to be secured.

How much do they cost?

Prices for implants can vary from clinic to clinic, so you should compare cost and service at a few different places before you decide to go ahead with the treatment. Dental implants are generally quite costly, but it’s not always the best choice to go for the cheapest option. There are three sections of payment that you need to ask about if you attend a consultation; the cost of the implant itself and having it placed, the cost of the abutement – the attachment that will allow synthetic teeth to be fitted, and the cost of restoration – the crown or bridge that is going to sit over the abutement. Most of what you’ll be paying for is the skill and experience of your dentist, it can really run the price up but it’s worth it to have a solid, comfortable set of teeth at the end of it. A good quality dental implant can cost up to a thousand pounds at a top end clinic, but the results will speak for themselves.