Dental Implants

 

Why dental implants?

What is the success rate?

What are the long term issues?

What are the cost issues and are dental implants cost effective?

 

Why dental implants?

There are several advantages:

• Predictable and safe
• Not destructive to adjacent natural teeth
• Efficient chewing
• Good appearance
• Rigid design
• Simple maintenance

One must be also aware of the disadvantages which are higher initial cost, but this is balanced out by recurrent costs involved with other options like bridges or dentures.

Treatment times are variable in each individual patient.

What is the success rate?

High success rates of implants and long term benefits override the initial cost. There is a risk of failure in smokers. Even if it fails it can be replaced with a new implant in the same position in a matter of few months. Some possibility if damage to adjacent teeth while placing implants and consequently a root treatment may be necessary, the risk being less than 1%. In the immediate post operative phase there will be some pain, swelling and bruising which is easily controlled by simple medication. Depending on the location of implant placement there may be numbness in the area due to involvement of adjacent nerves.

It is imperative that meticulous oral hygiene is maintained for good long term prognosis. Tooth grinding and gum disease can affect success rates. You will be advised of any medical condition that you have which affect the placement or success of implants.

What are the long term issues?

There is no guarantee that every individual will have successful implant treatment.

Annual check up X-ray is required for the first three years and thereafter once in 5 years carried out by your own dentist.

What are the cost issues and are dental implants cost effective?

Dental implants are extensively in use and especially in the last decade huge strides have been made in imaging, planning and design of prosthesis. New technology brings with it added factor of cost. The high initial cost is offset by excellent success profile, minimal number of visits once the treatment enters maintenance phase. Having many bridges or dentures made on a regular basis will not only damage the adjacent teeth irreversibly but also mean less value for money spent in the long run. Delaying implant based replacement will also lead to bone loss which in turn can lead to increased expenses if implant treatment is chosen at a later date.