Implants can also sometimes be used to replace more extensive
tooth loss.(See Image 1)
The techniques we use are usually single stage surgery,
with the definitive restoration being placed from 4 weeks
to 4 months after surgery
“Even now, it is unfortunately
sometimes impossible to save teeth. A common reason
for tooth loss in an otherwise well maintained situation
is root fracture” (See
Image 2)
It is now of course possible to place dental
implants at the time of tooth extraction, and in some
circumstances to place load on implants at the time of
surgery. Our
practice currently maintains a slightly more cautious
protocol, where even in ideal conditions we do not find
the potential risk for these techniques outweigh the
potential extra risk of early failure.
Techniques
to place implants can be very minimally invasive. Sometimes
this can mean the insertion of implant without any surgical
cuts or stitches. (See Image 3)
Usually,
once the implant is inserted, the addition of abutments
in order to be able to place the replacement tooth is
non-invasive. (See Image 4)
Dental implants can also be used to stabilise existing
dentures /prostheses. This means that even if teeth
were lost some years ago, and there has been a removable
denture that is increasingly loose and
unstable, the situation can be stabilised by the placement
of a few implants in order to anchor / retain the prosthesis.
