Dental implants are permanent solutions to one or more missing teeth. Although commonly described as “replacement teeth”, dental implants are more accurately replacement tooth roots. Implants are small, titanium screws that are placed directly in to the jaw bone to support replacement teeth in the form of crowns and bridges, in the same way, that natural tooth roots anchor natural teeth.
Because they are fixed in the jaw bone, implants provide unrivalled support to tooth replacements, meaning that results are not only aesthetically pleasing but also that full functionality is returned to patients who have lost some of their biting and chewing ability. The titanium implants are also osteoconductive, meaning they support and promote bone growth and help to prevent the problem of bone loss.
At Centre for Aesthetic Periodontics and Implantology Limited our dental implants in Kent are placed by Dr Pedja Pavlovic, our Specialist Periodontist, and are restored by our Specialist Prosthodontists, Dr Bardia Valizadeh.
With the increasing popularity of dental implants, many low-cost/non-researched implant systems are now available. However, most patients are not aware that there are important differences in dental implant systems, including variations in quality, technology and research. Few systems on the market have been scientifically tested.
At CAPI our main implant system is Straumann. The Straumann Dental Implant System is one of the best documented implant systems in the world, with more than 35 years of extensive scientific, clinical evidence and supported by more than 700 scientific publications. Clinical studies with a time span of up to 20 years confirm an impressive implant success rate of 98.8%.
Straumann is the main partner for the International Team of Implantology (ITI) which is one of the largest and the most prestigious international academic network in implant dentistry in the world. Dr Pavlovic is an ITI fellow and regularly lectures nationally and internationally on subjects related to implant dentistry.
We accept referrals from Dentists and self-referrals for dental implants.
Here are some frequently asked questions about implants – if you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact a member of our Team who will be happy to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I replace my missing teeth with dental implants?
Missing teeth can cause cosmetic concerns and embarrassment when smiling, but they can also cause physical health problems. Lost teeth can affect how you speak and how you bite and chew food, restricting your diet. Additional strain is put on remaining teeth, and over time your jaw bone will start to resorb (degenerate). Implants, unlike other tooth replacements, support bone growth and integrate with the bone.
What other advantages are there?
Dental implants act like natural tooth roots and the replacement teeth placed on top look and act like natural teeth. There is no danger of a restoration slipping out or becoming uncomfortable and loose the way that unsecured dentures can. You will be able to bite, chew and speak with confidence.
How are implants placed?
All of our implants are precisely placed under strict sterile conditions. This involves a minor surgical procedure, carried out in the dental chair. Careful planning is undertaken first, to ensure implants are placed in the correct position. After a healing period of eight to twelve weeks a healing abutment is attached to the implant and a week after this, impressions are taken so your replacement teeth can be custom made in a laboratory. Two weeks later, your replacement teeth are fitted.
Does treatment hurt?
No. Patients have implants fitted under local anaesthetic. If you are particularly nervous, we can place them under conscious sedation. Post-operative pain is rare and can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
If I need a tooth extracted, can I have an implant placed at the same time?
Sometimes this is possible and it shortens the treatment time. This varies from patient to patient and can be discussed at your implant consultation.
I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone to support implants by my Dentist. Can you help me?
If a tooth has been missing for some time, bone is likely to have resorbed (shrunk). In this case you may need a bone graft to build up enough bone to support implants. This is a procedure Dr Pavlovic is very experienced in.
How long do implants last?
With proper aftercare, implants should last for many years.
