Dental implants: Frequently asked questions

Many people are conscious about how their teeth look, with several deciding to undergo dental treatment in order to achieve their perfect smile. A popular treatment option for missing teeth is dental implants.

Leading restorative and cosmetic dentist Dr David Bloom reveals what they are, why they may be required, and how they can be implanted.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacement roots that are placed into the bone and the bone fuses onto the titanium surface, known as osseointegration.

An implant can be considered as a hollow titanium screw that a replacement tooth (or in some cases, teeth) can then be screwed into.

When might they be required?

Implants are used instead of using a patient's natural teeth to replace missing teeth (bridges) or when no natural teeth are available to use.

How are they implanted?

After tooth removal, the bone will be remodelled or reabsorbed. This means that if the tooth is still present, sometimes the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth is removed (immediate placement to help maintain the bone) and in some cases, can be used immediately to support a replacement tooth or teeth (immediate load).

It is best to perform this placement as a sterile surgical operation, when a hole is drilled into the bone and the implant is placed into this bone.

They can be immediately loaded if primary stability can be achieved. However, if extensive grafting is required or if an infection is present, neither immediate placement nor immediate loading will be considered appropriate.

Who are dental implants best suited to?

Dental implants are suitable for almost all patients. However, there is an increased risk of failure in people who smoke, and certain medical conditions can cause complications within the placement.

They can also be used in patients who are missing some teeth or in patients who have no teeth to support implant-supported dentures, or fixed bridges.

How long do dental implants typically last?

Unfortunately, nothing in dentistry lasts forever and most dentistry can be expected to last for around 10-15 years. It is now considered best to save a tooth as long as it has a reasonable chance of success in the medium to long term.

However, if this is not the case then implants are a great alternative. However, we know that patients can get gum disease around implants (peri mucositis and peri-implantitis), therefore meticulous placement and design of the final restoration are essential, as well as meticulous cleaning around the implant. In these conditions, implants can be expected to last a similar 10-15 years or longer.  

If you are considering dental implants and would like to book a consultation with Dr Bloom, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.