Teeth lost through gum disease, old age and injury or trauma have traditionally been replaced through the use of dentures or by a fixed bridge. However, in recent times the use of dental implants has been implemented and there are several advantages to this technology. Dental implants offer a more permanent solution than dentures as well as the fact that implants have been shown to slow down bone loss and the surrounding tissues are preserved. If done correctly, they also offer aesthetic advantages too.

A dental implant entails the drilling of an artificial socket into the gum before allowing the gum to heal for a period of several weeks. Usually, a temporary denture is offered for this period. Once the artificial socket has integrated with the surrounding bone tissue, the denture (tooth), bridge or crown is attached at a later date.

A number of factors must be taken into consideration before a dental implant is offered but most cases who have good oral hygiene should benefit from such treatment. However, the following factors can affect the success of an implant:

1. Heavy smoking – this can prolong the time needed for an implant to heal.
2. Excessive alcohol consumption – similar effect to above.
3. Gum disease – periodontal gum disease can affect bone composition, which in turn can affect the success of an implant. It must be treated prior to treatment.
4. Immune-suppressed individuals and
5. Teeth-grinders – a gumshield can help at night.

The cost of a dental implant ranges from £800 for a single tooth implant to several thousand pounds for bridge work and complete replacement. Dental practitioners in West London are now offering this type of technology and are available for consultation to discuss your requirements.

Implant retained over-dentures have been used for the past twenty years in London and other places around the world to treat fully edentulous mandibles. There is considerable literature available in London to support this treatment’s use and efficacy. These procedures are done on two, three or four implants and are relatively simple to carry out, making them an ideal choice for dentists working on their first few implant patients. It also does not require too many appointments and is cheaper than most other forms of implant treatments, like fixed bridges. Just like conventional dentures, they are capable of restoring facial profile and lip support very effectively, making them a viable option for dentists and patients alike.
It is unfortunate that some dental practitioners oversimplify these implant procedures in their implant advertisements, ignoring the potential risks. For instance, a healthy patient who has a healthy bone structure is a great candidate for this kind of treatment. But, the reality is that such patients are hard to come by especially for over-dentures. Implant retained over-dentures are certainly a great option for patients seeking implant treatments, but what is essential is that they understand that they are not without potential pitfalls.
For example, it is common to see people in their seventies and eighties requiring implant treatment. At this age, the chance of them having other concomitant conditions is quite high, which can have a significant effect on the implant treatment. There are quite a few other conditions that might affect this kind of implant treatment, such as diabetes which impairs bone healing, steroid-based treatments, respiratory or cardiac disease history and of course tobacco, alcohol or drug abuse. Therefore, a detailed medical history is essential before treating a case, even if it maybe uncomplicated.