Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed in the jaw bone to replace missing tooth roots. Following a period of healing they are then restored with crowns and or bridges or may be used to help support a denture. Titanium is used, as many years of research has shown that it integrates with the surrounding bone. Sometimes implants have modified surfaces to help improve the speed of healing around the implant. In carefully chosen cases, the success rate of dental implants is very high (98%+).

A review of cases placed at BCPI and published in the Australian Dental Journal reveals success rates equal to or higher than those published internationally.

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Assessment of the bone usually requires radiographs and often CT scans. In some cases, it may be possible to graft or grow bone into a compromised site prior to implant placement.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team.

Not everyone is suitable for dental implants. The BCPI periodontists are experienced in selecting cases that may benefit from dental implants.

What Can Dental Implants Do?

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

What are the Advantages of Implants over Dentures or a Bridge?

Dental implants maybe an ideal solution to the problem of missing teeth.

• Aesthetics – Dental implants can look and feel like your own teeth
• Tooth-saving – Dental implants don’t sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth
• Confidence – Dental implants can allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence!
• Reliable – The success rate of dental implants in many situations is high.

What types of Implants are used?

There are a large number of different implant systems available. At BCPI usually one of four proven, well researched leading brands of implants will be utilized. The implants themselves are made of titanium and may have a range of different surface coatings and treatments to allow better and faster integration with the bone. The implant substitutes for the missing root of the tooth. Most implant systems can be placed as either a one or two stage procedure depending on the clinical need for more or less healing. Your BCPI periodontist, in consultation with your restorative dentist/specialist will decide what it the best system to use in your situation.

Looking after your implant.

Just like teeth, your implant(s) requires the regular care of daily oral hygiene measures. You will be taught specific techniques for cleaning your implant(s). Regular ongoing checks for your implants are important to maintain the health of the surrounding tissue in the same manner as your natural teeth.