Dental implants have a success rate above 90%. In the case of a single tooth replacement,
the success rate is above 96%. Today, I will talk about the dental implant
process and aftercare. I will go through all the factors influencing the
implant success rate. I will discuss how my associates and I will work together
with you to minimize complications and increase the implants life span.
The success
rate depends very much on the Implantologist’s skill and experience, the choice
and loading of implants, the patient’s general health condition and smoking
habits, the quality and quantity of the bone available on site and of course proper
after care.
We recommend a 2 stage implant placement process for
increased treatment success rate and durability
The placement of dental
implants requires 2 visits to our clinic. During your initial visit, which will
ideally last around 10 days but can be shorter, we will perform your initial
consultation including radiological examination. There you will meet with my
team and we will map out your treatment plan. Subject to your agreement,
our Implantologist will then perform the placement of the implant. The
healing period averages four months, but it can be as long as six
to eight months. This
helps ensure a strong, solid foundation for replacement teeth. During this
time, temporary bridges or dentures may be used to minimize any cosmetic or
chewing inconvenience. Successful healing is established
via a panoramic X-ray. At this stage we can arrange your second visit which
will last two weeks. I will then place the permanent crowns or bridges.
Smoking,
certain long term diseases, low quality and quantity of the bone negatively affect
the dental implant success rate.
The various
health conditions and habits that lead to increased implant failure are well
documented and we always explain them and discuss them thoroughly with our
patients in advance. These are: poor oral hygiene, smoking and tobacco use, long-term
steroid use, chronic periodontitis (gum decease), systemic and autoimmune
diseases (uncontrolled diabetes, lupus AIDS), Osteoporosis/ Osteonecrosis and
some less frequent conditions.
The
experience and skill of the dental surgeon plays a decisive factor to the
treatments success.
My associate Implantologist can significantly
reduce any treatment complications by crafting the appropriate treatment plan.
After careful physical and radiological examination he will propose a treatment
plan, including the exact number and type of implants, their position on the
bone and bone graft or sinus lift if required.
Bone grafts and sinus lifts are surgical procedures that can make the
bone and gingival tissues re-grow. They allow us to proceed with placement of
implants at sites with insufficient dimensions.
When crafting a patient’s treatment plan he always aims at ensuring the
long term success of the treatment and the patient’s comfort.
