What is a Biological and Holistic Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthesis that secures into the jaw bone. It offers support to a crown, a dental bridge, or even an over denture. Implants are a wonderful solution to have a permanent replacement of missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance many implants may last a life time.

The most widely used Implants today are made from titanium or various different metals. However as we are a Holistic Practice we Prefer Whenever Possible as long as it provides the best outcomes for our patients to use Ceramic Implants.

Ceramic Implants

At present, the Clinical Results When Placing Ceramic Implants Very Positive indeed! They tick many boxes for discerning and metal averse patients. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of Ceramic Implants are primarily used for Single Teeth and Dental Bridge Restorations. Ceramic Implants attract less plaque as well as less bacterial adhesion than titanium and Metal Implants.

There may be some limitations for surgical and loading protocols when used in a full arch capacity. Therefore, an Expert Assessment of your exacting needs is vital. One-piece implants are less flexible than those with two part. Therefore the scope of applications may be reduced when compared to titanium Implants so this is always something to consider. Ceramic Implants are proven to be Safe and Reliable.

They are very durable and an excellent alternative for those patients who have metal sensitivities or who simply do not want to use metal implants for various reasons and unlike any metal, ceramic are not subject to corrosion over the life time of use. An added benefit is the look and appearance of Ceramic Implants as they have an obviously natural tooth like appearance which may be a concern for several patients.

The margins are tooth coloured and dark grey metal will not be visible through the gum structure. The demand and therefore the placement of Ceramic Implants is steadily growing world wide. They are expected to grow by up to 50% year-on-year over the next five years. Patients who focus on Aesthetic outcomes with Low allergy consequences will find Ceramic Implants a wonderful Solution to replace Missing teeth.

Titanium Implants

Titanium implants are extremely Strong, they very rarely break or fracture. They offer exception strength and durability when compared to Ceramic Implants. For patients with a particularly Heavy Bite or a bruxism habit (grinding and clenching teeth) Then titanium implants are usually the recommended option for long-term reliability.

Titanium implants have dominated the dental field from the early beginnings over 65 years ago during the 1960’s. Throughout this time they have been improved and modified to provide the industry with what we now consider to be the accepted standard of Implant system placements. Titanium is still one of the strongest Implant Materials available. It is highly resistant to significant bighting forces, grinding and bruxism.

Fractures of titanium Implants are rare and therefore make they a good solution for many patients. On the whole Titanium Implants are very durable, they allow for effective osseointegration. Which is the process whereby the jawbone fixes to the Implant. Over a period of 3 – 6 months the jawbone will fix to the Implant.

Regardless of whether you choice Ceramic or Titanium this is the most critical part of the process. The Titanium allows the implant to become securely integrated into your jaw bone, making it strong and stable. Titanium is commonly used to replace knees and hip joints.

Types of Implants

Implants come in various different solutions for tooth replacement:

1. Single Tooth Implant

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2. Bridge

3. Over Denture (Implant Supported Dentures) 

4. Full Arch Sixes

The most important part of getting implants is really understanding your journey. It may take anything from 3 – 6 months and a period of integration and healing is required.  It is important to understand the processes involved.

Consultation and Treatment Plan

A comprehensive assessment and treatment plan consultation with our Oral surgeon and Dentist. We will take time to discuss all the whole process with you and at this appointment we will also take a CBCT, this is essentially a 3D digital xray where we can observe the jaw and teeth anatomy in the best way possible to plan your case. The CBCT is low in radiation and very, very safe. They are necessary and without them we can not plan your Implant case.

Our Dentist will liaise with our treatment plan co-ordinator and assist you with organising any finance you may need to undergo the treatment and assist you with payment Options.

The Surgical Implant Placement

A treatment date will be booked and we will place the implants during this surgical visit. You may wish to be sedated for this stage or you may be comfortable to have them done under local anaesthetic which is very common particularly for single and bridge Implant cases. If however you are interested in Sleep Dentistry.

Sometimes a temporary tooth or a partial temporary denture may be placed during the healing period to allow you to go about your normal routine without the disruption of missing teeth.

Bone Grafting

Because each patient is different and their surgical needs will vary some patients may require bone grafting prior to placing of the implants The next and very Important period is the healing Stage Allowing the correct amount of time for the implant to fully integrate and heal into the jaw bone cannot be understated.

Once placed, we keep an eye on your progress and ensure that the Implant is healing correctly. A good nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle are particularly beneficial at this time. We generally book post operative appointments at around 10-12 weeks.

We may need to see you several times depending on the complexity of your particular case. Place the Crown, Bridge or Full Arch Constructing a crown for an Implant is much like placing a crown on a normal tooth. Please refer to this information for greater detail .

We take impressions then from those a permanent Crown, Bridge or Full Arch is made. The colour shade will be assessed and usually a ‘try-in’ appointment is required so we can ensure the perfect fit, shape, and natural colour match of the implant crown.

Maintaining Your Implants

Once you begin to enjoy your beautiful Implants ongoing care and maintenance is essential to ensure the long term success of your Implants. We aim to not repeat the reasons why you may have needed Implants in the first place. So Regular reviews are essential.

Firstly with our Dentist or oral Surgeon to check on the healing of your Implants over the first year. Then we recommend regular visits with our hygienist of 6 monthly intervals.

Just like normal teeth it is vital to keep you gums and mouth healthy. BY preventing tartar and bacteria building up around the base of the implant, we can reduce the  possibilities of future gum disease which may result in issues with your implants if this is allowed to occur.

Dental Implants are a significant investment in your Oral health, your appearance and your confidence! It is crucial to take the greatest amount of care with them possible.

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