Dental implants

A dental implant is a small titanium rod, shaped like the root of your tooth. It is used to support crowns or bridgework that can replace missing teeth or to stabilise loose dentures

Implants are made from titanium, combining strength with bio-compatibility. The image above shows bone attaching onto the surface of an implant. This creates a stable platform for the new teeth.

A dental implant consists of the following three parts: Crown: the replacement for a natural tooth which is also known as a ‘restoration’ Implants are a safe, well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. Dental implants have been used for over 100 years to replace missing teeth and they can last a lifetime depending on how well you look after them. Abutment: the part which connects the implant to the crown The implant: a titanium rod which acts as a ‘root’, ready for a replacement crown

Anyone who is missing one, or more, of their teeth can be considered for dental implant treatment. This may be due to: - Injury or trauma - Fractured roots - Infection - Gum disease - Previous poor dentistry (sadly!!)   Implants can also be used to stabilise and secure denture.

One of the most important aspects of your treatment is the planning. We use a combination of x-rays, CT scans and 3D imaging to gather the maximum amount of pre-op information, allowing us to plan your case for optimum results.

How do Dental Implants Work? The implant integrates with your bone to provide a stable support for the new teeth.  Crowns, bridgework and dentures mounted onto implants won't slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the teeth feel more natural.

A single tooth replaced with a dental implant and crown Full upper jaw reconstruction

A full smile makeover with implant bridge on upper left side Two single front teeth replaced with a dental implant and crown

Treatment times vary for individual patients, however it typically takes 4 - 6 months to complete treatment. Larger cases may take longer.   During this 'healing period' it is paramount that we provide you with temporary teeth.

When we get an injury, the human body releases proteins (growth factors) to stimulate the healing process. Dr Callum Graham uses PRGF®- Endoret® technology as a source for growth factors. The patient's blood plasma contains these proteins. By concentrating them we can speed up the regeneration process. Once PRGF®- Endoret® is applied to the treatment area, the regeneration process is considerably accelerated.

The coating of the implant surfaces with To carry out this process, it is necessary to draw a small amount of blood from the patient. The coating of the implant surfaces with PRGF®-Endoret® creates a much more favourable biological environment for osseointegration. This blood is centrifuged and processed to obtain the proteins essential for regeneration. These proteins are applied to the area where tissue regeneration is necessary.

Benefits of using PRGF®-Endoret® during implant placement. The humectation of dental implant systems with PRGF®-Endoret® creates a biologically active nano-membrane that stimulates the migration, proliferation and dierentiation of osteoprogenitor cells and their adhesion to the titanium surface. The sealing with a fibrin membrane has a powerful anti-inammatory and bacteriostatic effect making it easier to obtain good treatment results. The clot is a perfect framework for cells. The patient's own bone collected during the treatment, along with the PRGF®-Endoret® clot  allows us to improve osseointegration in bone defects. The patient's own bone collected during the treatment, along with the PRGF®-Endoret® clot  allows us to improve osseointegration in bone defects.

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures and bridges?

Reduced bone loss Normally, the bone tissue surrounding the root of your tooth is maintained by your body’s natural renewal process. However, if you loose a tooth, you will be left with a hole where your tooth root used to be and the bone around this area will slowly begin to disappear (atrophy) which may change the shape of your jaw. A dental implant placed in that area can actually stimulate bone growth and production, preventing loss of valuable bone structure. In some patients where bone loss is substantial, a PRGF® may be required while placing a dental implant. Bone loss is a problem for people who have dentures, and as the shape of the jaw slowly changes, the dentures need to be adjusted or re-made to fit the new shape of the jaw. Bone loss can also make a person look older, since the area around the mouth can sag as bone is lost.

Improved function Once dental implants are fully integrated into your jaw, they function just as well as your own natural teeth: you can eat the foods you want and speak with complete confidence.

No need to drill or remove any healthy tooth structure When replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, the teeth adjacent to the gap need to be prepared and healthy tooth structure is removed to accommodate a crown or bridge abutment to fit over the top of the tooth. In the future, if one of the supporting teeth is damaged, the entire bridge restoration will also be compromised, whereas with an implant, the restoration is independent of any of your other teeth. By replacing lost teeth with an implant, no support is required of the adjacent teeth, and your natural teeth do not need to be prepared.

Better aesthetics A dental implant should be almost indistinguishable from your surrounding natural teeth. Dentures can come loose and look unnatural if they do not blend with your gums, and some bridges and dentures have unsightly metal clasps to hold them in place. Dental implants provide a much better cosmetic and functional end result.

Improved dental hygiene Unlike bridges and dentures, which require special cleaning instructions and extra attention, dental implants just need regular brushing, flossing and dental hygiene appointments, just like your natural teeth.

If you not sure are you a suitable candidate for dental implants.... ...book your FREE IMPLANT CONSULTATION today ! 118 Queen’ Drive Dental Practice G42 8BJ Glasgow 0141 423 5161 E: reception@glasgowdentist.co.uk http://www.glasgowdentist.co.uk

It’s never To get your smile back

Perfecting smiles for over 100 years