Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia post that is surgically placed into the maxilla or mandible to function as an artificial tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge or implant-retained denture. Implants are recommended for adults with one or more missing teeth, edentulous patients seeking a fixed alternative to removable dentures, and patients in whom rapid alveolar bone loss is anticipated after tooth loss. Candidacy is determined by jawbone volume and density, periodontal health, controlled systemic disease (notably diabetes and osteoporosis), and non-smoking status, with cone-beam CT imaging used to plan the position and angle of each fixture. Dental implant systems consist of three components: the implant body that osseointegrates with bone, the abutment that emerges through the gum, and the prosthesis cemented or screw-retained on top. Placement is performed under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation, and most patients return to work the day after surgery. The bone-to-implant healing phase, called osseointegration, typically takes three to six months before the definitive prosthesis is fitted. When jawbone volume is insufficient, a separate bone graft or sinus lift is performed several months in advance. International patients usually travel for one surgical episode and return after osseointegration for the final restoration. Long-term success depends on meticulous oral hygiene, regular professional review, and management of any peri-implantitis risk factors. With appropriate maintenance, implant survival rates exceed 90 percent at ten years in most published series. Sources: NHS (Guy's and St Thomas'), NHS (Cambridge University Hospitals), US FDA, MedlinePlus.