TABLE OF CONTENTS. Contents

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1 DENTAL IMPLANTS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Dental Implants History 1 Dental Implants Now 2 The Process 3 How to Care for Implants 5 Potential Complications 6 Roger Moore Contact Details 7

3 DENTAL IMPLANTS HISTORY Dental Implants History The concept of dental implants is not new; 4000 years ago in ancient China, carved bamboo pegs were used to replace missing teeth. Furthermore, 3000 years ago an Egyptian king had a copper peg hammered into his upper jaw bone. Although this may have been placed post-death, this is the first recorded case of a metal replacement tooth being fixed to a jawbone. A 2300-year-old iron false tooth was recently found among real teeth in a Celtic grave in France. Experts believe they were fitted to improve the smile post-death, as it would have been excruciating to have it hammered into the jaw years ago teeth were often replaced with animal teeth or teeth from slaves and poor people. Replacement teeth from another person or animal s mouth would be likely to suffer infection and would be rejected by the host. Archaeologists have discovered ancient skulls dating from roughly 1350 years ago where teeth have been replaced by many different types of material ranging from jade to sea shells; in some cases the replacement tooth has even fused with the jawbone. One example is that of Dr and Mrs. Wilson Popenoe, who in 1931 were excavating Mayan ruins in Honduras and found a jaw with three carved, tooth-shaped shells in the lower jaw of a human s remains. What is interesting is the bone structure around the shell showed signs of regeneration. Page 1

4 DENTAL IMPLANTS NOW Dental Implants Now Over the last two decades dental implants have transformed tooth replacement treatments and the practice of dentistry. A dental implant is considered as a root replacement for a natural tooth, to which a crown is attached, and it appears no different to a natural tooth. Because implants fuse to the jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won't slip or shift in the mouth an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the dentures and bridges as well as individual crowns placed over implants feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures. Moreover, they do not decay and the risk of developing gum disease is almost zero. Page 2

5 THE PROCESS The Process The practice of implant dentistry requires expertise in planning, surgical placement and crown fabrication; it is as much about art and experience as it is about science. It also requires teamwork between the patient, the dentist, an implant surgeon and dental technician. The complete process is segmented into stages, and in total it can take 6 to 9 months. The individual procedure time is dependent on how many implants are getting fitted with respect to any additional complicated factors. It s possible to have several implants fitted in the same procedure, and this will naturally take longer. STAGE ONE Firstly, once the patient s mouth has been numbed, an incision is made in the gums to expose the bone underneath. A drill will then be used to create a space for the implant to be placed in the bone. The implant is then placed in the bone along with a second component which will remain during the healing process. Then the gums are closed over, and a stitch may be required. Over the course of a few months, the implant will fuse with the bone. STAGE TWO Another small incision is made in the gum to expose the implant unless there was a separate component placed on the implant that sits above the gums. Page 3

6 THE PROCESS An impression is taken in order for the lab to fit the new crown by fitting a small extension. The dentist will then work on creating the crown based on a number of impressions and models of the patient s mouth. Lastly, the crown is fitted. Page 4

7 HOW TO CARE FOR IMPLANTS How to Care for Implants The patient should take care to only have cold drinks and not eat until the local anesthetic has worn off. Hot drinks or hot food should be avoided for the first day and it is advised not to swirl liquid over the area. The patient should avoid using fingers or tongue to disturb the area. Strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours should be avoided. Swelling may occur for the first few days after surgery which can be aided with an ice pack. Pain can be relieved with regular painkillers. The mouthwash given should be used for one week, and the surgical site should be bathed by holding approximately 15ml over the site for 1 minute, 3 times a day, for a week. The patient should begin cleaning their teeth as normal as soon as possible, although avoiding the surgical site for the first few days. Warm salt water is beneficial in cleaning the mouth area. Smoking is not advised until the wound is completely healed as this severely limits the healing process. Page 5

8 POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS Potential Complications Dental Implant Success Successful Unsuccessful The procedure of Dental Implants is extremely safe and reliable, with a 98% success rate. However, with any surgical treatment, there is always the small risk of complications. It is possible that the implant unsuccessfully fuses with the jawbone due to incorrect positioning, insufficient bone density or volume, overloading, damage to surrounding tissues, external force/sudden impact, fractured implants or even a reaction to anesthesia. Peri-implantitis is an infection caused by poor dental hygiene both pre and post-surgery. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease marked by bacterial infection and the gradual loss of the jaw bone supporting the implant. Unfortunately, when such an infection occurs, it's back to square one as the dental implant should be taken away. Swelling of an implant into the sinus area can set off swelling. Like most invasive surgical procedures, loss of tissues and nerves may occur especially when a dental implant is embedded to a nerve which causes either a chronic pain or numbness in the cheeks or gums. Page 6

9 ROGER MOORE CONTACT DETAILS Roger Moore Contact Details 2 Three Cocks Lane, Gloucester, GL1 2QU info@rogermooredental.co.uk Page 7