Implants

What are implants?
About fifty years ago dental implants were applied for the first time. The best way of thinking of an implant is as a type of artificial root placed in the jaw. Most implants are either cylindrical or screw-like in form. Usually they are made of titanium - a material the body does not reject.  

When are implants used?
Applying an implant is an option if your own teeth including their roots have been extracted. After first consulting an oral surgeon you will have to consider whether implants would be a good solution for you. The jawbone has to be deep and broad enough to be able to position the implant. Your oral surgeon will be able to check on this for you by for instance taking an X-ray.   

What types of constructions can be built using implants? 
Once an implant has been put in position, the dentist uses it to construct a crown, a bridge or a complete prosthesis. If a complete prosthesis is needed, a metal bar is first attached to the implant to lend it support. As an alternative to a bar, pressure buttons or magnets are sometimes used.  

Preparation for the treatment
After you have been referred by the dentist of Family doctor, you can make an appointment with the oral surgeon for a consultation and an X-ray. On the basis of this X-ray, the oral surgeon can decide if there is sufficient jawbone in which to position the implant.The X-ray is also taken to minimise the chance of complications during the implantation, such as damage to the nerve in the lower jaw or a fracture of the lower jaw.

Treatment
During treatment, usually under local anaesthetic, though occasionally using a general anaesthetic, an incision is made in the gum. Then a hole is drilled into the jawbone at the site of the implant. When the implant is in position, a cover screw is attached before finally the gum is stitched.   

Single stage or dual stage implant?
A distinction is made between a single stage and a dual stage implant. A single stage implant is visible in the mouth directly after treatment but a dual stage implant is buried under the gums and will need a short second course of treatment to uncover it.   

How does the patient recover?
In the first few days after the treatment, you will feel a swelling in the area around the wound. Subsequently you may continue to feel pain for which you can take painkillers. Remember to keep the mouth and the area of the wound clean at all times. Brush your teeth in the usual way taking care to brush gently around the wound. You must use the prescribed mouthwash. You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic to keep the likelihood of infection to an absolute minimum. Once the implants have been put into position a period of rest will ensue that can last from 6 weeks to 6 months. During this time osseointegration takes place as the bone grows around the implant.  

After the treatment
After the treatment, any false teeth you may have will not always fit as well as before so make an appointment to see your dentist who will then carry out any temporary adjustments you might need.

An appointment for a check up will be made with you about one week after the treatment has been completed. The following check-up will be in about six weeks' time. After this check up, you can go to your own dentist who can make the crown, bridge or prothesis.   

Questions
You can contact the Oral Surgery Department with any queries you may have by dialling the following number: 07 0 - 312 46 80. The Department can be reached on working days from: 08.00 - 11.00 hours and from 13.00 - 16.00 hours.