Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, which is used to replace a missing tooth, teeth or to anchor a removable denture. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible and non-allergenic. Dental implants are positioned in the jawbone under the gums. A process known as osseointegration results in the implant being bonded to the bone and thus becoming a part of the body.
There are more than 600 types available in the world today with that many it is very difficult to know exactly which system works the best. Statistically there is a 2-4% failure rate even in excellent sites. At Mint Clinic we use 3i Biomet dental implant from the USA. With more than 30 years of proven reliability and excellence – they are one of the best in the world.
What’s involved?
The implant will be surgically placed into your jawbone. In order to place the implant in the bone it will be necessary to cut through the gum. After the implant is placed in the bone, the gum will be stitched (sutured) back over or around it.
The implant will then be left to heal in the bone for some months until the union between implant and bone is strong enough to support a false tooth or denture.
Outcomes
Dental implants have a long history of reliability, predictability and durability with over 30 years of proven success. Dental implants are versatile and may be used in many different situations and circumstances. When natural teeth are lost the bone supporting these teeth begins to resorb (shrink away). Dental implants prevent this bone loss, thus preserving strength, facial features and appearance.
Benefits
Are dental implants for you?
If anyone has missing or loose teeth and/or uncomfortable dentures, then dental implants may be the solution to these dental problems. The dentist will take a complete medical and do an intensive examination to see if you have enough bone to take a dental implant to support a false tooth. If not, a grafting procedure may be recommended in order to build up the bulk of bone prior to implant placement.
This adds considerable time to the surgical placement of the implant as it can add many months to the process. In some cases, the presence of nerves or other structures or poor bone quality would rule out the placement of implants. Therefore patients need to be in good general health. Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis or chronic sinus problems, could interfere with healing and make implants more likely to fail. Make sure that you tell us about any medicines that you take regularly . Smoking is a significant risk factor for implants.
Advantages
- Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they are very strong
- Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
- Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
- Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Durability. Implants are very durable and can last many years.
- Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the inconvenience of dentures.
Disadvantages
- Cost – the initial investment can be more expensive than other options
- Time – it can take a number of visits to construct your new crown
- Maintenance – patients have to maintain their implants
- Side effects – Each individual is unique and complications range from the common eg. pain to the rare e.g loss of implant – early on or much later.
Cost
Having healthy teeth and gums is the best investment you can make. Once you have met our team we will provide you with a cost based on the agreed treatment plan. We will also discuss if you need sedation and if the treatment is extensive you may need our complimentary overnight package. We can also discuss various methods of payment to suit you.
€1,100 – €1,250 implant
€2,100 – €2,400 implant + crown
It qualifies for 20% tax relief. Please note as each case is unique, these are an estimate only.
For complete payment terms please see our fee guide. To book an appointment please email us or tel: (01) 678 9904