Problems with the teeth and gums are not only about appearance. Gum disease and tooth loss can affect chewing, speech and confidence, and oral health is linked with general health. Looking after the mouth matters from childhood onwards.
What a dental implant is
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone. Once it has bonded with the bone, it supports a crown, a bridge or a denture. Implants can replace a single tooth or support a full set of teeth.
Every mouth is different. The structure of the jawbone, the health of the gums and your general health all affect which type of implant, and which plan, suits you.
When there is not enough bone
If the jawbone is healthy and has enough volume, placing implants is relatively straightforward. Many people, however, delay treatment until the bone has shrunk (atrophy), which makes things more complex. Options then include:
- bone grafting to build up the jaw before or during implant placement
- sinus lift in the upper jaw, to make room for an implant
- subperiosteal implants, custom-made frameworks that rest on the bone rather than inside it, considered for some patients with severe bone loss
Which option is suitable can only be decided by the dentist or oral surgeon after examination and imaging.
What a dentist needs to plan treatment
To give you a preliminary plan and estimate, a dentist will usually ask for a recent, clear panoramic X-ray and information about your health and any medicines you take. The final plan is made after an examination in person, sometimes with a 3D scan.
Dental specialties
- oral, dental and maxillofacial surgery
- oral and dental radiology
- endodontics (root canal treatment)
- orthodontics
- paediatric dentistry
- periodontology (gums)
- prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, dentures)
- restorative dentistry
Questions to ask
- Which implant system will be used, and is it documented in my records?
- How many visits are needed, and how long between them?
- What happens if a problem appears after I return home?
How MedAssist helps
MedAssist arranges appointments at partner dental clinics and hospitals, organises your stay and stays in touch between visits. The dentist decides on the treatment.