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Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting dental treatments to replace missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or you had surgical tooth extraction, dental implants can restore both functionality and aesthetics. Whether you need a single implant, all-on-4 implants or full mouth restorations we have a specialist team of dental surgeons to give you the best results.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium fixture, often shaped like a screw, that is inserted into the jawbone to support a false tooth or set of teeth. Over time, the implant integrates with the bone through a process known as osseointegration, (a medical term meaning bone integration) providing a stable foundation for the replacement teeth.
We use titanium a material widely used in medical procedures like hip replacements because it is biocompatible and does not trigger rejection by the body. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a post is attached, allowing a crown to be fitted on top, mimicking the look and function of a natural tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
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Permanent and Secure: Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are fixed in place and provide a more permanent solution. With proper care, implants can last for decades or even a lifetime. Dentures and bridges, may need replacement or repairs over time.
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Prevent Jawbone Shrinkage: Implants prevent bone loss, preserving facial structure and reducing the risk of prevents the “sunken” look often associated with missing teeth. Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
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No Damage to Adjacent Teeth: With traditional bridges, adjacent teeth are often ground down to anchor the bridge. Dental implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth. This helps preserve the integrity of surrounding healthy teeth.
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Natural Look and Feel: Modern dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, making it difficult to tell them apart from the rest of your smile. Implants provide a more comfortable and natural experience compared to dentures, which can sometimes slip or cause discomfort.
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Improved Chewing and Speech: Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew and speak. Dental implants restore these functions, giving you confidence in daily activities.
Cost of Dental Implants
A single dental implant, including crown, is available starting from €1950. This price applies across all our clinics in Carlow, Rathdrum, and Athy. For those in need of more extensive full mouth restorations, our all-on-4 dental implants start at €8500 per arch, providing you with a permanent and comfortable solution for full arch replacement.
Successful Implants
Dental Implant Procedure
The process of getting dental implants typically involves several key steps, starting with a thorough consultation and examination to determine if you’re a suitable candidate.
1. Initial Consultation: Our specialist dentists will assess your oral health, bone density, and take X-rays or 3D scans to ensure you have enough bone structure to support the implant.
2. Implant Placement: This is when the implant is inserted into the jawbone, a procedure that takes 45 minutes to two hours depending on the number of implants required. It is usually done under local anaesthetic, with sedation available if needed. After placement, it takes about five to six months for the implant to fully integrate with the bone.
3. Uncovering & Impressions: After the healing period, the implant is uncovered in a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic. Impressions are taken to create the final restoration, and healing caps are placed on the implants to protect them while the permanent prosthetic is being made.
4. Restoration: The final step is placing the permanent crown or bridge onto the implant after it has fused with the bone.
If you are missing teeth due to injury, disease, or decay, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. In some cases, additional treatments like bone grafts may be needed to ensure successful implant placement. Alternatives like bridges or dentures may be suggested if dental implants aren't suitable.
Treatment Timelines
From start to finish, dental implant treatment typically takes around 3 to 6 months, but this can vary based on individual healing times and treatment complexity. Here's an overview of the stages:
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Consultation & Planning: Your initial consultation, including any necessary scans or X-rays, helps to develop your treatment plan. This can usually be completed in one or two appointments.
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Implant Placement: The implant surgery itself takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the number of implants. It's usually performed under local anaesthetic, and sedation is available for those who prefer it.
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Healing Period (Osseointegration): After the implant is placed, it needs time to integrate with your jawbone. This healing phase can take around 3 to 6 months, during which the bone fuses with the implant, providing a stable base for the new tooth.
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Abutment & Crown Placement: Once healing is complete, an abutment is placed, and impressions are taken for the custom crown. This process takes a week or two for the final restoration to be fitted.
FAQs
1. What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or zirconia that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
2. Are implants safe, and how long do they last?
Implants can last 20 to 30 years or even a lifetime with proper care. However, their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, lifestyle habits (like smoking), and regular dental check-ups. While the implants themselves are designed to be long-lasting, the crowns or prosthetics attached to them may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to wear and tear.
3. Can implants always replace missing teeth?
Yes, for the vast majority of patients. Even if there is limited bone or other challenges, modern techniques such as bone grafting or sinus lifts can often make implants possible.
4. Does the procedure hurt?
The dental implant procedure is typically pain-free, as it is performed under local anaesthetic to numb the area. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure itself. After the procedure, some mild soreness or swelling is normal, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
5. Can I remove the teeth attached to implants?
Most implant-supported teeth are fixed permanently and can only be removed by a dentist.
6. What if the implant doesn’t bond with the bone?
In rare cases, if an implant becomes loose, it can be removed, and another implant can be placed after healing, or alternative treatments like a bridge can be used.