Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.

They are typically made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. The process of getting a dental implant involves several steps, including:

1. Evaluation: Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
2. Implant placement: During this procedure, the implant is placed into the jawbone. This is typically done under local anaesthesia.
3. Healing: It takes several months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration.
4. Abutment placement: After the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant. The abutment is the connector that holds the replacement tooth or bridge in place.
5. Restoration: Finally, the replacement tooth or bridge is attached to the abutment. This can be a crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental implants are a popular option for people who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or other reasons. They are considered a permanent solution for missing teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. However, they require good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to ensure longevity.

Fully guided surgery for dental implants

Fully guided surgery for dental implants is a minimally invasive and highly accurate technique for placing dental implants. It involves using advanced computer imaging software and 3D printing technology to create a custom surgical guide for each patient. This guide is used during implant surgery to ensure precise implant placement.

The process of fully guided surgery for dental implants typically involves the following steps:

1. Diagnostic imaging: The dentist or oral surgeon will take 3D images of the patient’s mouth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or other advanced imaging technology. These images are used to create a virtual model of the patient’s jawbone and surrounding teeth.
2. Treatment planning: The virtual model is used to plan the dental implant placement. The dentist can use the software to select the optimal location and angle for the implant and determine the depth and diameter of the implant.
3. Surgical guide fabrication: A custom surgical guide is 3D printed based on the treatment plan. The guide fits over the patient’s teeth and gums and directs the drill and implant placement tools to the exact location and angle for optimal placement.
4. Implant placement: The dental implant is placed using the surgical guide. The dentist or oral surgeon uses the guide to drill a hole for the implant and then insert the implant into the hole. Because the guide ensures accurate placement, there is minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue, resulting in less post-operative pain and faster healing time.

Fully guided surgery for dental implants has many benefits over traditional implant placement techniques, including increased accuracy, reduced surgical time, and faster healing time. It is also a good option for patients with complex cases, such as those with limited jawbone or those needing multiple implants.

CBCT

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an essential tool in dental implantology, as it provides detailed 3D images of the jawbone and surrounding structures, allowing for accurate planning and placement of dental implants.

Here are some ways that CBCT is used in dental implantology:

1. Assessment of bone quantity and quality: CBCT can be used to assess the quantity and quality of bone in the implant site, allowing the dentist to determine if additional bone grafting procedures are necessary before implant placement.
2. Implant placement planning: CBCT allows for precise implant placement planning, including determining the optimal angle, depth, and size of the implant. This ensures the implant is placed in the correct position for optimal function and aesthetics.
3. Detection of anatomical structures: CBCT can help detect the location of vital structures such as nerves, sinuses, and blood vessels, allowing the dentist to avoid damaging these structures during the implant placement procedure.
4. Monitoring of implant integration: After implant placement, CBCT can be used to monitor the integration of the implant with the surrounding bone, allowing the dentist to detect any complications or issues that may arise.

Overall, CBCT is a valuable tool in dental implantology, allowing for accurate and precise planning and placement of dental implants, resulting in better outcomes for patients.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants represent an innovative and efficient solution for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in one or both arches. This revolutionary technique uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional full-mouth implant restoration.
The All-on-4 concept involves placing two implants vertically in the front of the jaw and two implants at an angle in the back, maximising the use of available bone and avoiding the need for complex bone grafting procedures in most cases. This strategic positioning allows the implants to support a complete set of 12-14 replacement teeth.
Key benefits of All-on-4 implants include:

• Immediate results: In many cases, patients can receive their new teeth on the same day as implant placement
• Reduced treatment time: The entire process can often be completed in a matter of months rather than the year or more required for traditional implant methods
• Cost-effective: Using only four implants per arch makes this option more affordable than placing individual implants for each missing tooth
• Minimal bone grafting: The angled placement technique often eliminates the need for extensive bone grafting procedures
• Improved quality of life: Patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence immediately after treatment

The All-on-4 procedure is particularly suitable for patients with significant tooth loss, those wearing ill-fitting dentures, or individuals with insufficient bone density for traditional implant placement. The treatment combines the stability and functionality of dental implants with the convenience of a full-arch restoration.
Learn more about our All-on-4 treatment options and see if you’re a candidate for this life-changing procedure.

Advanced Dental Implant Solutions with Waterlase

Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth, providing a durable, long-lasting option that looks and feels like natural teeth. At The Briars Dental Centre, we enhance the implant process with Waterlase technology, ensuring precision and comfort from start to finish.

• Precision and Comfort: Waterlase reduces the need for traditional drills and blades, minimising discomfort and speeding up the healing process.
• Enhanced Osseointegration: The precision of the Waterlase laser promotes better preparation of the bone, potentially improving the integration of the dental implant.
• Gum Contouring: Perfect your implant’s aesthetics by precisely contouring the gum line around the new tooth, all with minimal discomfort and swelling.

Read our leaflets below:

Considering dental implants
Osteem dental implants
Single tooth impants
Multiple teeth implants

If you’re a dentist and you’re looking to refer, please complete our referral form.