Implant-retained crowns

Titanium is an extremely biological friendly material, i.e. gum and bone bond well to this. Once placed in the jaw bone it becomes a permanent replacement for the missing tooth’s root structure.

Candidates for implant-retained crowns

Implant-retained crowns are an ideal tooth replacement option for many patients. They offer a unique advantage over fixed bridges in that they are freestanding, so their placement does not affect adjacent teeth in any way.  

Implant retained crowns are not a suitable tooth replacement option if:

• The patient is under 18 years of age;
• The patient is a smoker and 
• There is insufficient space or bone to enable placement.

Question: If the patient is still young 20 yrs of age and a smoker is it possible to still to an tooth inplant also if the jaw has been broken is it still able to be performed.
Answer:

The success rate for a smoke is much lower than for a non-smoke, so it is recommended that the person stops smoking prior to having implants done.

Age is not so much an impediment as is the likely changes due to growth of bone, which can mean the

Question: I had a dental implant done and the crown has been put on. I am experincing pain in the jaw. The pain is where the implant was done. I also have purple gums under the crown. Is this normal?
Answer:

I would suggest you see your dentist, and get the area check; alternatively seek a referral to a specialist. The purple gums indicate either an infection around the gum, or a metal based crown or abutment, hence my preference for all-ceramic materials.

Question: Is it possible for a child under 18 gets a false tooth or implant because they're real tooth has fallen out or been broken?
Answer: As the child is still growing, it is not recommended that implants be placed until growth is complete.

Question: What if there is not enough bone for implant
Answer: If there is insufficient bone even with grafting, options may include a fixed bridge. Unfortunately in rare cases, dentures may be the only option.

Question: Its has been 2 and a half weeks since I have had a titian screw fitted it has fallen out my next app. with dentist is in two days time will the hole close up before I get to my appointment.
Answer: Yes the gum can close over, although I would usually use my Er:YAG laser to remove the excess gum if necessary as that wavelength of laser does not damage titanium or metals.

Question: Are there "good" and "Bad" implants? Do some dentists use inferior materials? I am finding many cost variations and wondering why???
Answer:

The more expensive implant systems have long term research and development behind them, and have good warranties in case of failure, whereas the less expensive ones are often copies of the established systems.

There are instances where temporary

Successful implant placement does require a certain amount of bone. In the absence of sufficient bone, grafting procedures are usually possible. In very rare cases, a lack of bone can make implant placement impossible.
Question: Hi I would like to know if it is possible to get one tooth implant. I have been told I do not have bone there. I just need anything other than a denture. What can you suggest and what the cost might be? I was told if I was to get an implant it wo
Answer: It might be possible to graft the site to get more bone; this may involve one or two extra surgical steps, and additional expense. Depending on the adjacent teeth, it might also be possible to have a bridge done.

Local anaesthesia or sedation ensures that the implant placement procedure is pain-free. Post-operative discomfort is usually minor and can be managed with oral painkillers.
Question: I need to get a titanium implant on my 2nd-to-front tooth, but as I have Cystic Fibrosis, I do not want to have a general anaesthetic. Is it possible for this to be done with just a local anaesthetic? (I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled under locals).
Answer: Most implants are now placed under a local anaesthetic; the only time either a general anaesthetic or IV sedation is done is at the patient\'s request, sometimes due to being anxious of any dental treatment.

The number of dental visits required, and the timeframe of treatment often depends on the circumstances of the case. Simple cases can be completed quickly in two visits over a few months, whereas more complex cases can require a number of appointments over many months.

With good care and regular dental visits the lifespan of an implant-retained crown is usually at least 15 years. Eventually, the overlying crown may need to be replaced because of wear at some point; however, the implanted titanium screw can be used over and over again.

Improved comfort - continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures which causes irritation of the gum tissue. Implant-retained crowns are like natural teeth because they are part of your jaw. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional dentures are eliminated.

Improved Speech - with ill-fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth and the facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Implant-retained crowns allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.

Ability to Eat - The average denture patient with an excellent fitting denture eats at 15-20% efficiency when compared to a person with natural teeth. As the jawbone shrinks, your chewing efficiency is reduced even more, making it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants, on the other hand, can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain. You can enjoy what everyone is eating and you don't have to think twice about it.

Improved self-esteem - Many patients that hide their toothless state from their partners due to embarrassment. Dental implants can provide you with new teeth that are like your own, and you will never be seen toothless again. All our patients that have had dental implants would never go back to having a denture, and wished they had their implant treatment a long time ago, as they regained the function of their natural teeth, giving them confidence eating, talking and smiling, and doing all the things everyone else is doing and not think twice about it.

Question: I currently wear partial plates 0n both upper and lower dentures. I am considering having all my lower teeth replaced by individual implants. Is this possible? would I need to go without lower teeth while the implants bond with the bone? What are
Answer: It depends how much bone loss you have suffered; this would require a clinical examination. If there is sufficient bone, it is possible to replace a denture with implant supported teeth, and the denture can be adjusted to fit whilst the implants heal