Dental Implants

Crowns, bridges and dentures address the short-term cosmetic problem of missing teeth but do nothing to stop bone loss. Crown & bridge dentistry requires grinding down healthy teeth leaving them at much greater risk for cavities and tooth failure. Bridges do not stop bone loss. Dentures become uncomfortable and unstable over time as the jawbone shrinks causing eating and speech problems. With dental implants, healthy teeth are not compromised. Dental implants, like natural teeth, stimulate the jaw and stop bone loss. Leading dental organisations recognise dental implants as the standard of care for tooth replacement.

• Have you one or more missing teeth?
• Have you adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft?
• Are your oral tissues healthy?
• Do you suffer from any health conditions that will affect bone healing?
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures?
• Want to improve your speech?
• Are willing to commit several months to the process?

Because dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process, including a:

• Comprehensive dental exam. You may have dental X-rays taken and models made of your teeth and mouth.
• Treatment plan, tailored to your situation. This plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need to be replaced and the condition of your jawbone.
• We will review any medical conditions that you may have and and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopaedic implants, you may be prescribed antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.

There is no upper age limit to be considered when choosing to have dental implants.  Our dentist will review your medical history, however there are very few medical conditions that will prevent your implant treatment.

Dental implants are not recommended however for teens as in most instances facial and jaw structures are not yet fully developed.

Dental implant surgery is performed in stages over 6/8 months:

1. Your jawbone is prepared for surgery. If you still have the tooth in place, it will be removed during this appointment. If you don’t have enough jawbone, a bone graft will carried out at this appointment.
2. Two weeks later – area is checked for healing.
3. Three weeks or six months (depending on if you had a bone graft) later – a titanium screw is placed in the site where you tooth used to be.
4. Two weeks later – checked for healing.
5. Three months later – you return for your crown to be made.  As we make your crown onsite this process will be completed on the same day!

No, we will never leave you without a tooth for any period of time. There are many ways in which we can replace the missing tooth during treatment. These range from plastic dentures to removable bridges.

Yes. It is advised that you take the day after your surgery off work. We will give you a letter for your employer stating that you could not work due to dental treatment.

Once the implant is placed it is the quality of your personal attention to oral hygiene and willingness to attend regular maintenance reviews that will have most influence on how long they will last.

The teeth screwed to the implants are subject to normal wear and tear.  When poorly cared for, implants will develop a covering of plaque and calculus just like natural teeth would. Untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. Well-maintained implants can be expected to last 15-30 years and possibly a life time. However, as with conventional crowns and bridges, your implant crown or bridge may need repair or replacement on occasion.

Smoking – if you are a smoker you are at higher risk of problems or failure with a dental implant

Grinding – the pressure while grinding over a period of time can cause failure of a dental implant

Poor oral health – if you have gum disease you are at a higher risk of bone loss

Well made and well placed implants look and function just like your natural teeth. You brush, floss and visit your hygienist regularly, just like you care for your natural teeth. Initially they may feel slightly different to your natural teeth as they wont have their natural surface and slight imperfections.

Implant crowns are much more like natural teeth than dentures or dental bridges, because they emerge from your natural gum line.

An implant works best, offering more realistic and long term results, if it is totally encased in bone.  Bone thinning, softening or loss happens as a result of fractured roots, infection or tooth removal.  Depending on the time lapse between the loss of tooth/teeth or the health of the bone, bone grafting may be necessary.

It is important that your dentist knows how to recognise these sites so that the success of your implant is not compromised. Rarely can these situations be rectified without removing the implant which would cause trauma to the bone and compromise it further.

Bone grafting, if necessary, can be done in a variety of different ways, with a variety of materials.  Dr Murnaghan and his Implant team here at Boyne Dental & Implant Clinic will be able to guide you through the applications and processes relevant to your needs.

You will never have more bone for dental implants than you have today.

On the day of your consultation, you will be given a full, printed and fully costed treatment plan.

This procedure is tax deductible  (we are happy to complete your Med2 claim form for you) and some dental health insurers offer partial cover for costs.

Our Treatment Coordinator will go through the many options that may be available to you.