Dental Implants Scotland

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are nowadays a standard of care for teeth replacement. They are manmade substitutes for lost natural teeth. These are titanium metal rods placed into the jaw bone to support a replacement tooth. This acts like the root of a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to support fixed bridges or dentures.
Implant treatment normally has two stages. First, the implant is placed in the jaw. Then, when the gum has healed, replacement teeth are attached to the implant. In some situations it is possible for temporary teeth to be attached to an implant at the time of fitting.

Would implants be right for me?

Implants are widely used solution for replacing missing teeth. You are suitable for majority of people however first, you should decide whether implants could be right for you. Contact us to arrange an implant consultation and discussion and we will let you know the treatment options.

Are implants safe? How long will they last?

Implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. 90 per cent of modern implants last for at least 15 years.

I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have implants?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants – from one single tooth to a complete set.

Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. During your initial assesment we will be able to discussed details of implant treatment and assess the amount of bone present. If there is not enough, or if it isn’t healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first.

Do implants hurt?

Placing the implants will be carried out under local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time, but you may feel some discomfort during the week following the surgery. This is usually due to having stitches in place, and the normal healing process. If you have any concerns please contact the Clinic as soon as suitable.

Can I have the new teeth straight away?

In many cases you can have your prototype of crown / tooth/ bridge or denture placed stright after implant placement. However you have to be assessed prior to implant treatment to establish if you are a candidate for this so called “immediate loading” or “Same Day Implants”. In this case your permanent teeth would be fitted on average in 3 months time.

In case that treatment would not be suitable for you the implants would need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been placed first. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then you can wear them throughout the healing period once they have been adjusted after the surgery.

How long does treatment take?

A lot depends on how complicated your treatment is. During your intial assesment we will be able to give you a timetable for your treatment.

Are the implant – teeth difficult to clean?

Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, if there are any challenging areas in your case you’ll be shown methods to help.

If I had gum disease when I had my own teeth, will I get it with the teeth attached to the implants?

Yes, if you don’t care for them well enough. If you keep them clean, and don’t smoke, then you should not have any problems.

Can I take the teeth out if they are fixed to implants?

Most artificial teeth attached to implants can only be placed and removed by the dentist. However, if you have complete dentures fixed to the implants by bars, then you’ll be able to take them out for cleaning.

Do I need an implant for each missing tooth?

No, unless you’re only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, five or six implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants may be used.

What is Same Day Implants / Same Day Teeth?

This is a concept in which implant and prototype of your new crown/ bridge or denture will be placed during the same visit. In some complex cases like All -on – 4 it might be also possible to remove your existing teeth, place implants and prototypes of your final teeth on the same visit. This treatment requires certain criteria to be met and suitability of this treatment for you will be discussed with you during your initial assesment.

What is All – on – 4?

The All-on-4 treatment concept was developed to provide edentulous patients with an efficient and effective restoration using only four implants to support an immediately loaded full-arch prosthesis.

All-on-4 offers clinicians and their patients various clear benefits:

  • Teeth fitted the same dayAll-on-4, teeth in a day, all on four - For Dental Implants Inverness, Scotland - Your Perfect Smile serve Inverness and the Highlands, call us for a consultation today.
  • Stability even in minimum bone volume
  • Outstanding clinical results
  • Increased efficiency of chewing
  • Beautifully looking teeth