Question 1

What is a dental implant?

Accepted Answer

An implant is a small screw made of a biocompatible material and placed in the jawbone. It replaces the root of a missing tooth and supports a crown, a bridge or a denture. The implant acts as an artificial root. Once placed in the bone, it gradually bonds with it during a healing period: this is called osseointegration. It then becomes a stable anchor onto which the dentist fixes the visible part, most often a crown made by a dental laboratory. An implant can replace a single tooth, several adjacent teeth with an implant-supported bridge, or be used to stabilise a complete denture when all the teeth in an arch are missing. The choice depends on your situation, the amount of bone available and your expectations. The main advantage is that the neighbouring teeth are left untouched, unlike with a conventional bridge, and that chewing becomes comfortable again. The bone beneath the missing tooth also continues to be stimulated, which helps limit its loss over time. Before any decision, a clinical examination and an X-ray, possibly in 3D, allow the dentist to check that an implant is suitable for your case and to explain the possible alternatives.

Question 2

Should I choose an implant or a bridge?

Accepted Answer

Both replace a missing tooth. A bridge rests on the neighbouring teeth, which have to be reshaped; an implant stands on its own. The right choice depends on the condition of the neighbouring teeth and of the bone. A conventional bridge is a fixed prosthesis supported by the two teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth have to be reshaped to receive crowns. If they are already damaged or crowned, this is not necessarily a drawback. If they are healthy, reshaping them is a sacrifice to weigh carefully. An implant, by contrast, is self-supporting: it requires no work on the neighbouring teeth. It does, however, require enough bone, a minor surgical procedure and a healing period before the final crown is fitted. Other factors come into play: your general health, your oral hygiene, smoking, the time you can devote to treatment and your budget. There is no single answer that is right for everyone. At the consultation, the dentist examines the area concerned, presents the possible options with their advantages and their limits, then gives you a written estimate for each solution considered, so that you can decide with peace of mind.

Question 3

Can an implant be placed when there is not enough bone?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, depending on the case. A bone graft or a sinus lift can rebuild the volume needed, sometimes before the implant, sometimes at the same time. After a tooth is lost, the bone that supported it tends to shrink, especially when the extraction took place long ago. When an implant is being planned, the height or thickness of the bone may therefore be insufficient to hold it securely. Several techniques exist to address this. A bone graft involves adding bone or a filling material to rebuild the missing volume. In the upper jaw, around the molars, the sinus is sometimes too close: a sinus lift then creates the space needed. Depending on the situation, these procedures are carried out at the same time as the implant or a few months beforehand, which lengthens the overall treatment. In some cases, shorter implants or a different position make it possible to avoid a graft. Only an examination with an X-ray, often in 3D, can measure the available bone precisely. The dentist then explains what is possible, the steps and the timescales to expect in your case.

Question 4

Does having an implant placed hurt?

Accepted Answer

The implant is placed under local anaesthesia, so the area is numb during the procedure. Moderate discomfort and swelling are possible in the following days and usually settle quickly. During the procedure, local anaesthesia numbs the area being treated. You remain awake and may feel pressure or vibrations, but the aim is for you to be comfortable from start to finish. Do not hesitate to mention any unpleasant sensation: the dentist can add more anaesthetic. After placement, it is common to feel some tenderness, mild swelling or sometimes a small bruise, especially if a graft was carried out at the same time. These effects are generally moderate and ease within a few days. If needed, the dentist prescribes suitable pain relief. A few precautions help you recover well: applying something cold to the cheek on the first day, not smoking, choosing soft, lukewarm food, and carefully following the hygiene instructions you are given after the procedure. If you feel anxious, mention it at the consultation. Understanding each step in advance helps a great deal in approaching the procedure calmly.

Question 5

How long does implant treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Generally several months between placement and the final crown, while the implant bonds with the bone. The duration varies with the quality of the bone, any graft and the area treated. Implant treatment takes place in several stages. It begins with a consultation, including an examination and an X-ray, followed by planning. Then comes the placement of the implant, which usually takes only part of an appointment. After placement, the bone needs time to bond firmly with the implant. This healing phase generally takes two to six months depending on the case, with the upper jaw often needing a little longer than the lower jaw. If a bone graft is needed, a few extra months may be required. Once the implant has integrated, the dentist takes an impression and the dental laboratory makes the crown. Fitting it generally takes one or two appointments. During healing, a temporary solution can often be offered so that you are not left with a visible gap, particularly for front teeth. The dentist gives you the expected schedule for your situation.

Question 6

How long does an implant last and how should I look after it?

Accepted Answer

A well-maintained implant can last for many years, but no lifespan is guaranteed. Careful brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular check-ups are essential. An implant cannot decay, but the tissues around it can become inflamed if plaque builds up. This inflammation, called peri-implantitis, is the main cause of implant loss in the long term. Daily hygiene is therefore decisive. In practice, this means brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning around the implant every day with interdental brushes or a suitable floss. The dentist shows you the techniques and the tools that suit your mouth. Some factors increase the risk of complications: smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, a history of gum disease or clenching your teeth at night. They do not always rule out an implant, but they call for particular attention. Regular check-ups, generally once or twice a year, make it possible to check the gum, the bone and the crown, and to carry out a professional clean. Over time, the crown itself may need a touch-up or a replacement.

Question 7

What affects the cost of an implant?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on the number of implants, any graft, the type of crown or prosthesis and the examinations needed. A detailed written estimate is given to you after the consultation. It is difficult to state a cost without having examined the mouth, because two similar-looking situations may call for very different treatments. That is why the practice does not give prices before the consultation. Several factors come into play: the number of implants to place, whether a bone graft or a sinus lift is needed, the X-ray examinations, the choice of prosthesis (a single crown, an implant-supported bridge or a complete denture), the crown material and any preliminary care such as an extraction or gum treatment. After the examination, the dentist presents the proposed treatment plan and gives you a written estimate detailing each step. You can take the time to read it, ask your questions and compare the options before committing. Depending on your cover, part of certain procedures may be reimbursed by your insurer or your mutual insurance. The practice gives you the documents you need for your claim.

Dental implants

Dental implants

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