Dental implants treatment information in Cork

Dental implant guide

This is a general guide for implant treatment. Each implant case is different but normally involves the following treatment proposal:

*Hygienist visit including Scale and Polish plus Oral Hygiene instructions may be required before treatment is initiated.

Stage 1

If a tooth needs to be extracted this shall be done carefully preserving the bone surrounding it, if there is signs of active infection the socket will be left to heal for 2-6 months, if not or there is no tooth present the implant(s) will be inserted into the bone under surgical conditions. They are then buried under the gum and left to heal for a period of between 2-6 months (dependant on the quality of the bone), this allows the bone to heal and attach to the implant which is known as Osseointegration. Your Denture or temporary prosthesis will be adjusted to fit after this procedure.

Stage 2

This shall be the exposure of the implant(s), which will involve minor surgery, after a period of healing (determined at stage 1). The Implant(s) will be tested to see if they have integrated and if so a healing screw will be attached to the implant(s), the head of this screw will show through the gum. Occasionally a temporary crown can be placed at this stage. There will also be a period of healing required for the gum around the implant(s) this is normally 3 weeks. If there is a large defect of gum and it affects the appearance significantly then a soft tissue graft may be recommended.

Stage 3

The impressions are taken at this stage in order for the laboratory to construct the crown(s), the shade and shape of the crown(s) shall be discussed with you and this information will be used in the construction of the crown(s). This may require 2 or more appointments as some cases which are more challenging need to be checked before the final porcelain is placed on the crown(s).

Stage 4

This is the final fit of the crown(s); it will be checked by the dentist to see its fitting accurately and then shown to you, to make sure you are happy with its appearance before it is permanently cemented.

Risks associated with this treatment:

1. Implants can fail and have higher failure rates in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, smokers and the medically compromised, but this happens infrequently. In most cases of failure the implant can be replaced after a period of healing.

2. As with any surgical procedure there is a very low risk of accidental damage to adjacent anatomic structures such as teeth or nerves plus the possibility that bleeding may occur.

3. There will be a lot of natural wear and tear that your implant crown will be subjected to and it is worth considering that it may need to be replaced after a period of time.

4. Excessive forces either it be trauma or whatever may result in component parts fracturing.

5. There is a risk of gum recession around the implants and though it may not affect their survival it may require treatment for aesthetic reasons.

Maintenance

It is important that once treatment is finished you consider the importance of maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene, this combined with regular visits to the hygienist at least once every 6 months (more frequently if the hygienist recommends it) should be adequate to the health of your implant(s).

Photographs

Clinical photographs often form an integral part of the records that we need to maintain in order to carry out treatment effectively.

Ancillary

The treatment outlined has been estimated to include all likely ancillary items, however, if additional treatment is required then additional charges will be made. If this is the case then it shall be discussed with you.

Finally I hope that the information we have given you is helpful in understanding the process and if there is anymore information you require please do not hesitate to contact us.