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Does this type of treatment
hurt?
How long does treatment take?
How do I manage during the implant healing period,
how will I look?
How long do implants last?
What if I do not like the final appearance?
Do I need one implant for every tooth that is missing?
Can I have the implants placed and then go back to
my own dentist for the final
restoration?
Does this type of treatment hurt?
We believe that all dentistry should be painless (including injections). Implant dentistry is no different. The surgical procedure of implant placement in the jawbone is carried out under local anaesthetic. The procedure is generally easier than having a tooth extracted as it is a controlled procedure with all aspects planned thoroughly beforehand.
For patients that view the idea of any surgery with trepidation we offer the service of intravenous sedation, which provides all the relative advantages of a general anaesthetic (relaxation, no recollection of the appointment) without any of the dangers.
Most people experience minor bruising which is relieved with simple painkillers for the first 24-48hrs. Many patients find that painkillers are not required. Following successful implant integration the restorative phase of treatment for the patient is very easy and painless.
Obviously treatment time is different for different cases and the extent of restorative work required, however as a general guide treatment is usually extended to allow for implant integration (bone healing). In the lower jaw implant integration period is approximately 3 months, in the upper jaw 6 months. Research is currently being conducted that suggests these periods can be reduced.
How do I manage during the implant healing period, how will I look?
If your treatment involves the front teeth then the appearance will generally be improved long before treatment finishes.
The nature of implant treatment is such that a tremendous amount of planning is required before any treatment progresses. In this way the final appearance is known before treatment starts, it is this final result which is used as a template for provisional restorations (temporary dentures or bridges).
It is the remit of the controlling restorative dentist that at no time from the initiation of your treatment should your appearance be compromised. Often it is necessary to reduce functional performance for a period prior to improving it to the ideal.
It is the aim of the implant team that patients are made fully aware of the stages in their treatment and how they will look/ function during the treatment period before committing to any treatment.
Current research on NobelBiocare Branemark implants suggests that a successfully integrated implant will last at least 25years - making this the most successful form of restorative dental treatment available.
As a result Nobelbiocare & 3i guarantee the implants for 10 years from the time of placement against failure. Dr Bain guarantees the implants he places against failure.
Should an implant fail to integrate (approximately 5 out of every 100) then it can be replaced at no further cost other than the extra time require for healing. If an implant fails to integrate then this is generally found out before the final restoration is made. It is very rare for an implant to fail after the final restoration has been made (less than 1%).
What if I do not like the final appearance?
Prior to initiation and throughout your treatment Dr. Lochhead will seek your opinion on the appearance being achieved such that the final result is predicted and fully discussed before completion.
Do I need one implant for every tooth that is missing?
No, other than for a missing single tooth it often not necessary to use one implant for each missing tooth. Two or three implants can be used to support bridgework for upto five teeth. A whole arch can be supported on four implants.
Can
I have the implants placed and then go back to my own dentist for
the final restoration?
Of course, this is a service we are happy to provide to dentists trained in the restoration of implants. It is essential however that your dentist is involved at the beginning of treatment in order to prescribe where the implants should be placed.
A restorative dentist should lead all implant treatment, implants should only be placed where they can be correctly restored to both the dentist and patients satisfaction.
