Implants are a means of replacing
missing teeth without the use of dentures, although
in certain circumstances implants can be used to
secure dentures and so overcome the problems associated
with normal denture wearing. As implants are totally
self supporting, they do not require other teeth
to aid them.
Well Established Technology
Implant technology was developed almost 40 years
ago and has successfully been used in dentistry
for at least thirty years. As this specialised
treatment requires very advanced training and skills,
only a few dental practices throughout the country,
of which we are one, are able to offer this treatment.
Available Bone
An implant is a metal post made from titanium which
is a metal rarely rejected by the body. Implants
can be used to replace a single missing tooth,
several, or all missing teeth provided there
is enough bone available. When teeth are lost,
there is immediately set into motion a natural,
lifelong, but completely irreversible process
of bone and gum loss. The most rapid loss is
in the first 3 - 6 months after teeth are missing,
but thereafter the process only slows down and
continues throughout life. Once lost, bone and
gum cannot grow back naturally. For the latter
reason, it is ideal to consider implant treatment
as soon as possible after teeth are lost, as
several years later, there may be insufficient
bone available to place them. The degree and
rapidity of bone loss varies with the individual.
Bone Augmentation
If there is insufficient bone available to place
implants, but the loss has not gone beyond a
certain point, new bone can be regenerated in
the intended implant site using a technique called
Bone Augmentation. This requires using either
irradiated powdered human bone or an artificial
substitute and can take up to six months to complete.
If Bone Augmentation cannot be used, then the
only other possible alternative is to transplant
bone from the hip to the jaw, but this can only
be provided privately in hospital.
Implant Retained Dentures
Implants can be used to support dentures and it
us usually full lower dentures that cause most
problems, although they can equally be used to
support full upper dentures. The underside of full
lower dentures are designed to fit over a ridge
of bone. However, the ongoing bone loss that occurs
when teeth are missing causes this bony ridge to
eventually disappear so that the curved underside
of the denture cannot fit onto the flat surface
of the gum. At this point there is absolutely nothing
conventional dentistry can do, other than to suggest
using fixatives which may have to be applied several
times daily. At this stage the denture is often
so loose that most patients simply cease to wear
it.
To solve this problem,
a minimum of 2 - 3 implants can be placed into
the lower jaw either a gold bar or precision fittings
are fitted to the implants onto which a new full
denture clips into place. Although a denture is
still maintained, for many patients this is a very
acceptable solution as they are comforted in the
knowledge that their denture is securely attached
to the implants and cannot fall out during eating,
drinking or socialising.
For those patients who want to eliminate their
full dentures all together, providing there is
enough bone available, possibly between 8 - 12
implants could be placed in either jaw to support
a bridge containing up to 12 - 14 crowns.
Age Limitations?
Implants can only be used when all bodily growth
has stopped which is normally age 16 years for
girls and age 18 years for boys. There is no
upper age limit for implant treatment provided
there is enough bone available. Certain medical
or psychological conditions may prevent implant
treatment.
Benefits of Implant Treatment
At present, implants are the best that technology
can offer in replicating the function and aesthetics
of natural teeth. Equally, implants are totally
self supporting and do not require other teeth
to aid them. In comparison, conventional bridges
require teeth to support them. Irreversible damage
is caused to these supporting teeth, plus the
stresses of supporting a bridge can also shorten
their expected life span. If the proposed supporting
teeth for a bridge are already very heavily filled
or slightly broken down, then crowning will strengthen
them and improves their cosmetics.
The presence of implants
stabilises bone loss at the implants site as it
tricks the body into thinking tooth roots are present.
Many implants are still functioning well after 20 years, although no guarantee
can be given as to their longevity as dentistry
is not a precise science.
The aesthetic and oral health benefits of dental
implants are considerable, even compared to other
fine methods of restoration featured at Central
Pattaya Dental Center. These benefits include:
• Stability
and security: Unlike traditional,
removable dental appliances, dental
implants are fixed securely into
the jawbone and will remain in place
indefinitely. The titanium used in
the artificial tooth roots is not
recognized as a foreign substance
by the body; therefore, the jawbone
will grow around the implant, accepting
it as an integrated part of the mouth.
The restorations attached to the
implant will have a stable base,
allowing the patient to speak, chew,
and smile with renewed confidence.
• The ability to bite and chew with
confidence: Dental implants can withstand
far greater biting pressure than
removable bridges and dentures. Foods
that might be difficult or impossible
to eat with other restorations –
steak and crunchy fruits and vegetables,
for example – can return to the diets
of dental implant recipients.
• Teeth that look and feel completely
natural: The trusted dental professionals
of Central Pattaya Dental Center
supervise every stage of the dental
implant process, ensuring results
of uncompromising quality. Our dentists
craft replacement teeth to the most
exacting standards so that the crowns,
bridges, and dentures that are attached
to our dental implants look, feel,
and function like natural teeth.
• Durability and longevity: For anyone
in search of a long-term solution
to missing teeth, dental implants
represent a clearly superior choice.
Implants require no special care
beyond a healthy oral hygiene regimen
and regular dental appointments.
If cared for properly, dental implants
can last for many years and even
decades.
Long-Term Predictability
Long term success of implant treatments requires keeping
the mouth as clean and plaque free as possible on a daily
basis. Regular ongoing professional care and maintenance
is also required. Implant retained dentures should be
removed daily for cleaning together with the gold bar
and/or precision fittings. Any accumulation of plaque
or calculus (hardened plaque) can allow bacteria to tract
down and destroy the bone surrounding the implants and
cause them to fail together with the restorations they
are supporting.
What are dental
implants?
Dental implant is a titanium metal rod
which is placed into the jawbone. It is
used to replace or restore a missing tooth. What factors contribute to the long term
success of dental implants? A Long-term success depends on multiple
factors. Firstly, success will depend on
the quality and quantity of bone. The better
the bone and the more available, the greater
the chance of long-term success. Secondly,
the experience and ability of the dental
surgeon will be a factor. As with any surgical
procedure, there is no substitute for the
experience and individual talent of the
dentist. And finally, the quality of the
restoration placed on top of the implant
will play a big role in long-term success.
If the design of the implant crowns or
overdentures are poorly constructed, and
biting forces are not balanced, even the
best-placed dental implant will have a
compromised survival rate.
Who can place a dental implant in my mouth?
A periodontist, an oral surgeon, or an
implantologist places dental implants.
The periodontist and oral surgeon are teamed
with a restorative dentist. They will place
the implants and then the patient will
be seen by a restorative dentist for completion
of the crowns or overlying appliance. There
will be two dentists during the course
of treatment. An implantologist is trained
in both dental implant surgery and restoration
of the dental prosthesis. An implantologist
will do both the surgery and the restoration,
and there will be only one dentist during
the course of treatment.
Are there any age limitations for dental
implants?
No. Any person at any age can have dental
implants as long as there is enough bone
available in which to place the implants.
What might be some factors that would prevent
me from being an implant candidate?
There are some medical factors that might
prevent a person from being a good candidate
for dental implants. Some of these may
be uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy
or radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders,
blood disorders, rare bone disorders or
bone marrow cancer. Some physical factors
may include insufficient or poor quality
bone, low sinuses or nerve bundles.
How often will I need to have my implants
checked?
The success of your implants will depend
greatly on how well you maintain them.
They will need to be professionally cleaned
by a hygienist and examined by your implant
dentist every three to four months. This
hygienist should be trained in the specific
procedure of maintaining dental implants.
Also, brushing and flossing daily is absolutely
necessary for long-term success.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
No. An effective local anesthetic is used
during the surgery so that you do not have
any discomfort during the placement of
the implants. The mild discomfort you might
experience after surgery can be controlled
with medications.
Why should I get dental implants instead
of removable dentures?
Dental implants avoid many common problem
normally associated with dentures including: •
Bone shrinkage
• Denture slipping
• Gum irritation
• Pain
• Difficulty eating
Bone shrinkage will alter your appearance
over time, making you look older than you
really are. It also means having to get
a new set of dentures every few years.
418/19-20
Central Pattaya Rd. Banglamung Cholburi 20150
Tel. 038-720747 email
: info@centralpattayadental.com
Open daily 10.00 am - 8.00 pm
