Dental implants are now recognised as routine treatment for a full range of problems from replacing a single tooth, to full oral rehabilitation, or simply for reliable denture retention.
Key Benefits
Improve appearance
Improved comfort and speech
Improve self-esteem
Eat what you want
Smile with confidence
Maintain healthy adjacent teeth
Long term results
Preserve jaw bone
Single Tooth Replacement
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Benefits of an all-ceramic
crown on implant: |
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In this case, a so-called one-piece implant is used. This means that all components are installed as a single unit, resulting in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized pain.
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Treatment:
This procedure normally includes four visits to the dentist. You should expect to be able to work the day after having the implant installed.
Course of Treatment
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
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1: Before the
procedure |
2: Installing
the implant |
3: Attaching
the new crown |
4: End result |
Alternatives to an all-ceramic crown on implant
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Tooth-supported fixed bridge A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good aesthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorption in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge. |
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Removable partial denture This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable and loosely attached, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic - a material that can't create the same aesthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap. |
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Resin-bonded bridge This alternative has some clear advantages: it is quickly installed, functions well and, since it is made of ceramic, it gives a high aesthetic result. Moreover, natural healthy teeth aren't affected. But it is not very permanent. The resin-bonded bridge will eventually come off - probably after just a couple of years - and will then have to be reinstalled. |
Multiple tooth replacement
Benefits with
fixed bridge on implants:
In this case, when replacing three teeth in the far back of the mouth, a fixed
bridge anchored to dental implants is the only fixed alternative. Traditional
dentures can't offer the same stability or function.
Having dental implants replacing your lost back teeth will give you new, unparalleled strength and stability that allows you to eat what you want. It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance.
- The only fixed alternative in this situation.
- A stable, secure solution that lets you eat what you want
- Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss
Treatment:
After the initial examination, you can expect 4-5 additional visits until the final fixed bridge is permanently attached. It is normal to experience some minor bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissue afterwards. Any discomfort is usually treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
Course of Treatment
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
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1. Before the procedure Three teeth at back end of the mouth are missing. The only real replacement alternative is installing a fixed bridge. The bridge contains all teeth in one piece and is anchored on dental implants. |
2. Installing the implants First, the implants are installed. This is normally done in a single session. A temporary bridge may be placed at the same time, making it possible for you to function like normal almost immediately after leaving the dentist. |
3. Attaching the bridge The implants need to integrate with the jawbone before the permanent bridge is attached. This is normally done 1-2 months after the implant installation. The time will vary, depending on the teeth affected and the esthetical demands. |
4. End result The new bridge will handle all the pressure that your strong, natural back teeth did. You will have a stable and secure solution that allows you to eat what you want. |
Alternatives to Fixed Bridge
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Removable partial denture This alternative is often perceived as uncomfortable and a bit complicated to use. Function can't be compared to that of a bridge. This denture is made of plastic and metal, which affects its look. It is quite expensive to fabricate due to its many parts. However, the installation process is simple, and natural teeth are spared. |
Full Arch Replacement
Benefits of a
fixed bridge on implants
When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a
fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution
Before dental implants, there were no fixed solution available for people who lost all their teeth. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high aesthetic solution.
- Lets you eat and function like having natural teeth
- A solid, stable solution that will serve you for life
- Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss
Treatment:
The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on the specific conditions. But all in all, 8-10 visits should be enough to have a fixed bridge installed. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.
Course of Treatment
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
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1. Before the procedure The dentist determines what needs to be done and prepares both himself and the patient for the coming treatment procedure. |
2. Installing the implants The first step is installing dental implants to replace the lost tooth roots. In this case, five implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached that enable you to eat and function like normal while waiting for the permanent bridge to be installed. |
3. Attaching bridge The final bridge is securely installed on top of the implants. With a full jaw replacement like this, it normally takes 2-3 visits to have the bridge completely attached. |
4. End result Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural - both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience. |
Alternatives to Fixed Prosthesis
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Removable, implant anchored
overdenture An alternative to a fixed bridge is a removable overdenture, which is anchored on implants. The old fashioned denture has many disadvantages and should be avoided if possible. |
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A removable full denture that is
connected to either a ball or bar attachment, which in turn is anchored
on two or more implants in the front part of the jaw. The implants help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort. Cost is usually the reason why this solution is chosen over a fixed bridge - although the end result can't be compared. |
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Removable full denture A denture that is loosely placed on top of the gum to cover the lost teeth. This alternative has no real advantages - except for its low price and easy installation. The disadvantages are many: discomfort in eating, poor aesthetics, affected speech, and sore gums from denture movement. Moreover, a full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste. |
Michael Ingram BDS | Suzie Ingram BDS
187 Greenhill Road
Coalville
Leicester LE67 4UF
Tel 01530 510783
© 2007 Ingrams DP