Who can have Implants?

Anyone who is in good health and has teeth missing is potentially a suitable candidate for implant therapy. Age is not a limitation to implant treatment except that under 18s are not usually treated due to growth considerations.

Patients with underlying medical conditions need to undergo a thorough medical assessment, with special attention paid to patients with conditions that affect the healing of bone and soft tissues, e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, or patents taking certain medications for osteoporosis (please note that osteoporosis itself is not an issue). Success rate of dental implants in smokers is reduced because of the impaired blood supply that occurs; this can be reversed with smoking cessation. Ideally, there should be enough bone to provide suitable anchorage for the implants, though this is not insurmountable, with supplemental procedures.

It is worth noting that patients who lose their teeth through gum disease appear to have more problems and a higher failure rate of dental implants in the longer term than no gum disease susceptible patients. For patients with gum disease thorough remedial treatment is necessary before embarking on dental implants. Careful regular follow up and meticulous daily cleaning is essential for such patients.

On your first appointment, Dr Brignall or Dr Marques-Guasch will carry out a full examination of your mouth, along with full medical history and Xrays. Impressions to obtain models of the mouth will be needed, and in some cases, a CT scan. This scan gives a 3 dimensional view of the jaws and can be used to assess the exact bony dimensions and do a virtual placement of implants on the computer. Ian or Jordi will then discuss the options available for you.

It is important thereafter to be prepared to maintain this health, and to see us regularly for appointments to check the implant(s) and review the oral health, so as to maximize the lifespan of your investment.