What is a Dental Implant
A dental implant is a small titanium post (see photo below) that is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. The implant provides a strong and stable foundation for a replacement tooth or bridge. The artificial teeth/ tooth (prosthesis) is custom made to attach to the dental implant (see video below). The artificial teeth are attached to the implants after the implants have integrated with the bone which usually takes 2 to 4 months. The process thus involves and surgical phase and a restorative phase. In some instances, the implant and the artificial teeth can be provided on the same day.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Improved appearance: Dental implants look, feel, and function like your own teeth. They can improve your smile and boost your self-confidence.
- Improved speech: Missing teeth can affect your speech. Dental implants can help you speak clearly.
- Improved chewing: Dental implants can restore your ability to chew properly, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
- Improved oral health: Dental implants don’t require the reduction of other teeth, which can improve your long-term oral health. They also make it easier to clean between your teeth.
- Durability: Dental implants are very durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the need for removable dentures, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
PREPARING FOR DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT
Clinical and radiological assessment is the first step in the planning for dental implants. The clinical examination involves assessment of the soft tissue at the site while 3D radiology (CBCT) (photo below) is required to determine the amount of bone available. An intra oral scan is required to capture the soft tissue digitally (see photo below).
Once the bone availability for implant placement has been determined an intra oral scan is required to design a surgical stent (guide) (see photo below).
The design and 3D printing of the surgical guide requires a few days. So, the implant placement procedure cannot be done on the same day as the consultation.
CBCT radiograph
Intra oral scan
Surgical guide
THE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE
Approximately 95% of dental implant procedures are performed in the dental chair. The duration of the procedure can range from an hour to several hours, depending on the number of implants being placed and the complexity of the case. We kindly ask that you arrange transportation, as we will be administering a sedative.
Implant therapy consists of two phases: the surgical phase and the restorative phase.
During the surgical phase, the implant(s) are placed into the jawbone. This involves gently reflecting the gums and preparing the bone for implant insertion. While the procedure can be performed in a surgical theatre, it is most commonly done in the dental chair at the practice.
The restorative phase involves attaching the artificial tooth or teeth to the integrated implant. Implant integration typically takes 2 to 4 months. In the meantime, a temporary denture can be worn. If the implants achieve sufficient stability at the time of placement, the artificial teeth may be placed immediately.
How many implants do I need?
The number of implants required will depend on the number of teeth missing. For a single missing tooth, you will need a single implant, but if you have several missing teeth, the number of implants required will depend on the type of prosthesis (artificial tooth/ teeth). For three missing teeth you will require two implants to fabricate a bridge. When multiple teeth are missing, you will need between two and eight implants per jaw.
WHAT KIND OF ARTIFICIAL TEETH CAN I GET WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS?
The types of implant prosthesis would depend on the number of missing teeth. Let’s look at the different options based on the number of missing teeth.
MISSING A SINGLE TOOTH
The most common scenario is when a person loses a single tooth. The structures involved are the implant and the artificial tooth.
Pros:Â
Restores the look, feel, and function of a single missing tooth.Â
Does not require the reduction of adjacent teethÂ
Easy to clean
MISSING FEW TEETH
This type of prosthesis is used to replace two or more missing teeth in a row is an implant supported bridge. It consists of two or more implants supporting a bridge (a series of artificial teeth).
Pros: Restores the look, feel, and function of multiple missing teeth More affordable than multiple single tooth implants
MISSING ALL TEETH- REMOVABLE OPTIONS
Replacing all the missing teeth requires the placement of a minimum of 6 implants per jaw. The two fixed options to replace all missing teeth in a jaw are the fixed hybrid prosthesis and the fixed zirconia. The difference is in the material used to fabricate the artificial teeth. The fixed hybrid prosthesis is fabricated in acrylic/ composite while the fixed zirconia is fabricated in porcelain. The lab cost for the fixed zirconia prosthesis is considerably higher. The fixed option gives most bite force/ability back and can feel most like natural teeth
Mini-Implant Overdenture
Mini dental implants are only recommended if the bone density and volume are inadequate to support a traditional denture. Since the diameter of the implants are smaller than the traditional implants, the risk of fracture is high. This option is usually used as a last resort.
2 and 4 implant overdentures
Two implants can support a denture, but four implants would be ideal to support an overdenture prosthesis. This is becoming the standard of care, especially for patients struggling with their lower dentures. These are usually referred to as snap on dentures. The implants stabilize the denture from moving around when talking, eating and laughing. Patients can get rid of messy adhesives. In some cases, a special metal bar can be fabricated and attached to the 4 implants to give the utmost stability with a denture.
MISSING ALL TEETH- FIXED OPTIONS
Replacing all the missing teeth requires the placement of a minimum of 6 implants per jaw. The two fixed options to replace all missing teeth in a jaw are the fixed hybrid prosthesis and the fixed zirconia. The difference is in the material used to fabricate the artificial teeth. The fixed hybrid prosthesis is fabricated in acrylic/ composite while the fixed zirconia is fabricated in porcelain. The lab cost for the fixed zirconia prosthesis is considerably higher. The fixed option gives most bite force/ability back and can feel most like natural teeth
How much does dental implant treatment cost?
The overall cost of your implant treatment will depend on a few factors. We can break it down into two main parts:
- Surgical Costs: This covers the implant placement itself and can vary based on the type of implant used, whether you need bone grafting or a sinus lift, and the complexity of the procedure.
- Prosthetic Costs: This covers the creation and placement of your new artificial teeth (the crown, bridge, or denture). Factors that influence this cost include the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and the lab fees.
We’ve provided a general cost range for the different treatment options below. To get a more accurate estimate for your specific needs, we’ll need to do a thorough examination and discuss your treatment goals.
| Surgical Cost | Prosthesis Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Single missing tooth | R 18,000 to R25,000 | R 10,000 to R15,000 |
| Few missing teeth | R 30,000 to R 35,000 | R 15,000 to R 20,000 |
| Missing all teeth | R 70,000 to R 95,000 per arch | R 80,000 to R 125,000 per arch |
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