Dental implants: your questions answered

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Ed Madeley, Periodontist at our Greystones practice in Wicklow, answers some common queries about dental implants  

Q: What are dental implants?

A: Dental implants are artificial roots that can be used to anchor crowns, bridges or dentures, providing a permanent solution to missing teeth. The implants are embedded in the jaw, so they create a false tooth that both looks and feels real.

Q: Why are dental implants used?

A: When natural teeth are lost, the bone supporting these teeth begins to shrink away, leading to bone loss. Dental implants act to help prevent this bone loss and ensure your mouth’s bone definition is maintained.

Q: Can I replace a single tooth with a dental implant?

A: Yes. If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant and crown may be an ideal solution. The implant provides a foundation for a ceramic crown to replace the missing tooth, preventing further bone loss.

Q: Can dental implants be used to replace all my teeth?

A: Yes. In cases where a number of adjacent teeth are missing, implants may be used to support a bridge. This protects remaining healthy teeth and also prevents further bone and tooth loss. If most or all your teeth are missing, multiple implants can be placed to securely anchor a denture.

Q: How do I know if I am a suitable candidate?

A: During an initial consultation, your implant clinician will assess your suitability based on a number of factors, including your overall oral health, whether single or multiple implants are required, whether any bone or tissue grafting is needed, and the healing time required.

Q: How long does the treatment take?

A: Dental implant treatment can take anywhere between six weeks and six months, depending on your individual needs. After the implant is placed and has healed, your implant clinician will recommend whether you require a denture, crown or bridge.

Q: Is the treatment painful?

A: No, your implant clinician will always use effective anaesthesia to ensure that the procedure is pain-free and comfortable.

Q: What materials are used in dental implants?

A: It is crucially important that the right material is used for a dental implant as it will in effect become part of your jawbone. Most dental implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible, non-allergenic and has been successfully used in patients for decades.

Q: How long will they last?

A: With proper care and maintenance, implants can last as long as conventional restorations on teeth. They are extremely durable, and implants can potentially last a lifetime with appropriate maintenance.

Q: What are the benefits of dental implants?

A: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Patients can benefit from an enhanced appearance, increased comfort, improved chewing and speech, and better longer-term oral health.

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie