How does the procedure work?
At the consultation the implantologist checks the feasibility of using dental implants for the patient. This involves establishing which tooth / teeth need(s) replacing or substituting; whether the jaw is suitable for receiving implants and taking the necessary panoramic X-ray shots.
The patient is then consulted about the procedure in general and any potential risks. The dentist also covers the following:
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how many implants are needed
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whether the patient requires a temporary replacement during the period of osseointegration (the period when the implant and the jaw bone integrate)
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a cost estimate of the procedure (a detailed, no-obligation treatment plan always follows the consultation)
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treatment schedule and time frames
The implant surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthetic (except if the patient is over 65 or if his/her health condition dictates otherwise, in which cases IV sedation is mandatory). First the dentist prepares the jaw and then inserts the implant. After a check-up and inserting a temporary tooth replacement (if required), the healing period begins.
The healing period
The healing period typically lasts 3-4 months (except with the revolutionary Straumann implant which can cut it to as little as 4 weeks). During this time bone cells grow into the micro-pores created on the surface of the implant. This process is called osseointegration, and ensures the implants fix in place and become able to support normal biting loads in the long term without any damage. The healing period only differs if oral surgery preceded the implantation process. In the case of bone replacement the healing time is typically extended to 6 months and with sinus lift it is typically 8 months.
At the end of the healing period healing screws are inserted into the implants. They perform a gum-forming function before the cowns or bridges are fitted. Abutment pieces are later fitted into the implants to support and retain the replacement teeth. Following this, the prosthesis is prepared in the dental laboratory and fixed onto the abutment / implant.
Contact between patient and dentist does not end here though. One of the most important criteria for the longevity of dental implants is good mouth hygiene and check-ups at least once a year. At the check-up the dentist verifies the state of the attachment between the bone and the mucosa around the implant(s) / tooth replacement, and makes the necessary adjustments as necessary.
What are the advantages of implants compared to traditional tooth replacement?
If the patient has one or several teeth missing, implants can substitute the roots of the lost teeth and they can support the replacement teeth. Traditional prosthetics on the other hand can only solve this problem by damaging neighbouring healthy teeth to support a bridge.
Implants provide a way to create a fixed prosthesis also in cases when traditionally only a partial removable denture could be applied.
In these cases implant based tooth replacement provides more stability and better chewing strength than traditional solutions. Besides feeling physically better while eating, most patients get a huge confidence and self-esteem boost by being able to smile again. All these factors usually add up to an improved quality of life for the patient.
In case of total edentulism (or toothlessness) implants can serve as abutments to fix or retain a prosthesis (or denture) in many ways. Implants can be used to stabilise the removable prosthesis (with the help of ball-headed attachments or retention bars), or a sufficient number of implants can fix a complete artificial row (bridge or overdenture).
The fixing of the tooth replacement onto the natural teeth or implants can be done by cementing or screwing (when the prosthesis is made to be removable by the dentist).
Are dental implants suitable for everyboy?
They are suitable for anybody who has no contraindications and who is happy with this solution. However alcoholism, drug addiction and heavy smoking represent serious risk factors. Certain diseases such as untreated diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and some other conditions can also reduce the chance of success. And implantation cannot be carried out before the age of 14. In any case implant based tooth replacement is only recommended to patients with good mouth hygiene and who are willing to follow the mouth hygiene regime advised by the dentist.
What factors are important for the longevity of implants?
Good mouth hygiene has a basic role in the long term viability of implant based tooth replacement. Beside cleaning the teeth twice a day with a tooth brush and tooth paste in the usual way, the neck-part of the implants or, if it is covered by a crown, the surrounding gum and the underlying parts of the prosthesis must be carefully cleaned. Plaque can be easily removed from these places with the help of an interdental tooth brush or dental floss. Avoid the use of oral hygienic materials containing fluoride in high concentration!
The other important factor is a properly prepared prosthesis. If these two conditions are met, implants can even last for a lifetime.
Have implants ever been found to cause allergies or cancer?
No. Implants are made of pure titanium. This metal has special biological characteristics enabling it to easily integrate with human bone. There are no reports or other medical evidence linking dental implants to any allergies or tumours, largely due to the fact that the surface of the implants is covered by an extremely stable compound, titanium-oxide.
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth so to create a cosmetic improvement for a tooth. Porcelain veneers are routinely used by dentists as a way to make cosmetic changes for teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned.
Dental crowns can be an effective treatment option for teeth that are seriously damaged. They are tooth-shaped caps made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain. They restore the strength of the they cover and eliminate discomfort. They can also be used to anchor a dental bridge or to cap a dental implant post.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of metal, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal. The type of crown utilized during your dental crown procedure will depend on your unique needs and goals, as well as the recommendation of the dentist.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns
Dental crowns made of porcelain fused to metal are stronger than all-ceramic versions and more aesthetically pleasing than those made of metal but their metal shell projects an opaque appearance. Because they lack the reflective quality of natural teeth, they are not as discreet as all ceramic options. Also over time, a thin metal band may become visible along the gum line with this type of crown.
All-ceramic crowns
All-ceramic crowns (Procera) combine excellent strength with beautiful esthetics. The material consists of 99.5 % pure aluminum oxide and is biocompatible, thereby ensuring excellent long term esthetics. It is translucent, giving the tooth a natural appearance. At the same time it is excellent for concealing underlying surfaces, such as amalgam and root fillings. With the strength in the core material, it is recommended for prosthetic reconstructions anywhere in the mouth. It also satisfies the ever increasing demand for metal and alloy free constructions.
Zirconia crowns
Zirconia crowns are made of zirconium. They create an extremely natural-looking appearance and are typically used on front teeth. The tooth-colored zirconia material is translucent, like the enamel of your natural teeth. Its size and shade can be carefully matched to complement the rest of your smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Typically, the dental crown procedure is completed in two stages. During the first stage, the dentist removes portions of your natural tooth's structure to accommodate the dental crown. Surrounding teeth may also be prepared in this way. An impression is made and sent to the lab, where your dental crown is created in about two weeks. A temporary crown will be in place between visits to ensure the most natural look and feel. When you return to the dentist's office, the temporary crown is removed and your new, custom dental crown is securely bonded in place.
For some patients, the dental crown procedure is altered to meet specific goals. For example, if crowns are being utilized to anchor a dental bridge or as a dental implant restoration, the steps in the dental crown procedure will be slightly different. Also, teeth with extensive damage may require that a root canal be performed prior to placing the crown. Additionally, new technology has made it possible to complete some dental crown procedures in a single office visit. A consultation with your dentist can help you better understand the unique steps in your dental crown procedure.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is made up of two dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between. Natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of natural teeth and dental implants can be used to support the bridge. The dental bridge type you choose will depend on the condition of your smile, your cost goals, and the cosmetic results you desire. Whether you are looking for a temporary or permanent tooth loss solution, there is a dental bridge ideally suited for your needs.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The dentist will begin your dental bridge work by filing down the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns. Then, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth, which will be used to create the dental crowns. Once the crowns are finished (crowns can be all-ceramic, zirconium or made of metal or porcelain fused to metal), the false tooth (or teeth) will be bonded to them. When the dental bridge is ready, a return visit to the dentist will be necessary to place it on the teeth. During your final visit, the dentist securely cements the crowns over the surrounding teeth to complete your smile with the dental bridge.
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth. Unlike dental implants and dental bridges, which are more or less permanently affixed to the bone, dentures are prosthetic teeth attached to a supporting structure. Dentures can be removed at night, for cleaning, or whenever desired. The most affordable dentures are those made with traditional plastic prosthetic teeth, but even more expensive porcelain cosmetic dentures usually cost less than implants.
Overdenture
If you lose most or all of your lower teeth there is nothing to hold a denture down while you chew. An overdenture fastens a denture to the jawbone much the same way natural teeth are anchored. The overdenture itself is secured by precision dental attachments. The attachments are placed in tooth roots or dental implants which have been placed specifically for the overdenture attachment. There are two types of overdenture: bar joint dentures and telescopic dentures.
The adjacent teeth may be altered with locking devices or connecting bars to ensure the denture fits properly. These bar joints support the dentures better than individual implants though implants are still required to support the bars. Generally the more implants the stronger the bar. Bars on the upper arch always require more implants than bars on the lower arch due to the lesser bone density in the upper jaw.
When patients have compromised bone density due to age or oral disease a telescopic denture is probably the best option. The procedure consists of a double crown system “the telescopic” and involves fitting inner metal crowns and outer crowns on the remaining natural teeth to create a natural looking removable overdenture. Though this is a reliable denture system that ensures even bite stress distribution, the procedure is extremely complicated and requires root canal therapy for each remaining natural tooth and also the insertion of a metal post to ensure the root is strong enough.
Some of the benefits of overdentures include the prevention of bone loss (dental implants actually strengthen the surrounding bone structure), esthetic appeal, improved speech (when compared with other types of dentures), proper jaw alignment and improved chewing efficiency.
Pain Free Treatment and Sedation
Wand II - a Revolutionary Pain Free Alternative to Injections
On request our dentists use a cutting edge equipment called the Wand instead of a syringe to inject anaesthetic. This device doesn't look anything like a needle. It is the size of a pen. It is a computer controlled device which allows the dentist to control the amount of pressure from the device as it is put into a patient making the process virtually pain free.
Our patients' feedback is very positive as they experience a quicker onset of numbness and it also reduces patient anxiety. The new technique also means that dentists can administer a shorter lasting anaesthetic, which is much more convenient for the patient.
What is sedation?
Sedation is a method employed by a dentist aiming to eliminate patient stress and anxiety from the treatment. It helps patients overcome common dental phobias which otherwise often prevent people going to the dentist or they might leave it too late.
Through sedation, patients are able to undergo dental treatments without any of the fear and anxiety that otherwise may accompany the treatment. It can also reduce the number of visits required for dental treatment. It can be applied in combination with almost any kind of treatment.
Sedation is a procedure that makes use of sedative medications, to produce a relaxed experience for the patient, enabling the dentist to perform dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is sometimes wrongly referred to as "sleep dentistry". This term, however, is not the true meaning of sedation, because the medications you receive won't exactly put you to sleep, although you are likely to feel sleepy. It is different from procedures performed under general anaesthetic, when patients are actually unconscious.
Types of Sedation
There are a few different types of sedation:
Who is sedation recommended for?
Anybody undergoing dental treatment who is anxious of or has extreme fear of the treatment is likely to benefit from sedation.
Our Clinic offers the latest, most effective tooth whitening solution available, the ZOOM! Chairside Tooth Whitening System. ZOOM! can help you gain the smile you had always dreamed of. With this procedure your teeth can become 8-12 shades lighter in only an hour and a half. Our Clinic recommends tooth whitening before crowns or bridges are fitted (or before dental implantation) to make the crown and bridgework match the new shade of the teeth.
The process of ZOOM! Whitening
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First of all, at least a week before whitening scale and polishing is advised to get rid of all unnecessary plaque.
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The ZOOM! Tooth Whitening gel is applied to the enamel (the protective coating) of the tooth and heated with a special lamp (UV-A light). The heat breaks down the gel and releases oxygen into the teeth's dentin (the main, hard part of the tooth). This oxygen bleaches the teeth without harming them.
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After the ZOOM! Tooth Whitening treatment, our patients are given a fluoride treatment. The results of this tooth whitening procedure are whiter teeth that are fundamentally free of coffee, tea, soft drink, wine, or tobacco stains! For the best result and to maintain your white shade we ask you not to drink, eat or smoke the above mentioned products for 10 days after whitening.
Is whitening safe?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available.
Most ZOOM! Tooth Whitening patients experience no ill effects during this teeth whitening process. However, ZOOM! is not for everyone. Women nursing or pregnant, people sensitive to light, patients involved in photo-chemotherapy or diagnosed with melanoma and children under the age of 13 should not undergo the ZOOM! Tooth Whitening procedure. Anybody on light sensitive medication should consult their GP before using the system.
How long do the results last?
By following some simple post-whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, regular dental cleanings and occasional touch-ups with Nite or Day White home whitening gel once every half year for 2-3 days. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.
DAY White Home Whitening
60% of patients, when asked, indicated a preference for day-time whitening. Day White is a low sensitivity (because of ACP or amorf calcium phosphate) daytime tooth whitener formulated exclusively for use in a patented dual barrel syringe. In only 1 hour once a day, or 30 minutes twice a day you will achieve the whiter smile you've always dreamed of! It has a delicious cool mint flavour.
How long do I have to use Day White?
The Day White Home Whitening has to be used for 10-12 days. Within this period of time the minimum of 8 shades can be achieved.
NITE White Home Whitening
The highly effective formulas of Nite White can transform smiles to their whitest in only a few days. Each Nite White is made specifically for use in a patented dual barrel syringe. It comes in 3 concentrations: 10%, 16% and 22%, all with a low sensitivity formula in a delicious cool mint flavor.
How long do I have to use Nite White?
The Nite White Home Whitening has to be used for 10-12 nights. The concentration of 10% has to be on for 6-8 hours at night, the 16% concentration for 4 hours and the 22% concentration for 1 hour. After 10-12 nights the minimum of 8 shades can be achieved.
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Treatment: 5 Zimmer implants (USA with 10 years guarantee), + 14 crowns. Two visits to Budapest. Treatment total price: £ 5600 |
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Treatment: 8 Ankylos implants (German with 10 years guarantee), + 1 overdenture + 2 crowns. Two visits to Budapest. Treatment total price: £ 7000
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Treatment: 2 Zimmer implants (USA with 10 years guarantee), + 2 metal free Zirconium crowns. Two visits to Budapest. Treatment total price: £ 2300 |
Please click on the treatment below you want to find out more about.
A root resection is very different from root canal treatment. In root canal treatment, the nerves and blood vessels inside the root are removed and the space is filled with a sterile material. In a root resection, the entire root of a tooth is removed. However, because root resection requires cutting into the inside of the tooth, the tooth will need root canal treatment before a root resection can be done.
The cysts may be found on the jaws due to reasons both connected with the teeth or independent of them. The cysts are thawing the jaw bone and result in loss of agent and ultimately the decay of the jaw bone. When they are not treated they are leading to fractures of the jaws and esthetic and functional disorders.
Closure of Sinus Exposure
This can occur when extracting upper molars (and in some patients, upper premolars). The maxillary sinus sits right above the roots of maxillary molars and premolars. There is a bony floor of the sinus dividing the tooth socket from the sinus itself. This bone can range from thick to thin from tooth to tooth and may differ from patient to patient. In some cases it is absent and the root is in fact in the sinus. At other times, this bone may be removed with the tooth, or may be perforated during surgical extractions. The doctor typically mentions this risk to patients, based on evaluation of radiographs showing the relationship of the tooth to the sinus. It is important to note that the sinus cavity is lined with a membrane called the Sniderian membrane, which may or may not be perforated. If this membrane is exposed after an extraction, but remains intact, a sinus exposure has occurred. If the membrane is perforated, however, it is a "sinus communication". These two conditions are treated differently. In the event of a sinus communication, the dentist may decide to let it heal on its own or may need to surgically obtain primary closure, depending on the size of the exposure as well as the likelihood of the patient to heal. In both cases, a resorbable material called "gelfoam" is typically placed in the extraction site to promote clotting and serve as a framework for granulation tissue to accumulate. Patients are typically provided with prescriptions for antibiotics that cover sinus bacterial flora, decongestants, as well as careful instructions to follow during the healing period.
Bone augmentation is a term that is used to describe a variety of procedures that are used to 'build' bone so that dental implants can be placed. These procedures typically involve grafting (adding) bone or bonelike materials to the jaw, and waiting for the grafted material to fuse with the existing bone over several months.
There are several different procedures that can be used for bone augmentation. Your dentist will select a procedure depending on the type, location and number of implants to be used. If you need a bone graft, it is important that you and your dentist discuss all the options available to you.
Dental implant bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces the bone that has been lost with material from the patient's own body (autogenous bone) or with a natural, artificial, or synthetic substitute. In most cases the goal of the implant dentist is to generate new healthy and natural bone in the area of the procedure. Some synthetic materials simply hold the space under the gums until the patient's body replaces the material with natural bone. Dental implant bone grafting replaces missing bone lost from previous dental extractions, injuries, accidents, cysts, periodontal disease, infections along with many other causes. Although these procedures increase the cost of dental implants, they also help create more cosmetic and often more durable restorations.
A sinus lift is a surgery that will add bone to your upper jaw and in the area of your premolars and your molars. A sinus lift is sometimes referred to as sinus augmentation. Bone will be added in between your jaw and your maxillary sinuses. They can be on either sides of your nose. In order to make room for the bone, the sinus membrane may be moved upward or lifted. A sinus lift is performed by a maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist. A sinus lift is performed when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw or the sinuses to hold dental implants.
Bone Replacement from Hip Bone (AUTOGRAFT)
Autografts are bone grafts, which come from your own body. This type of graft is still considered the “gold standard” by many surgeons. It offers the best of both worlds; it has very good osteoconductivity and also great osteoinductivity due to its high content of resident growth factors. The disadvantage is the higher cell morbidity. It is always necessary to conduct a secondary surgical access in a remote location of the body in order to harvest the bone. Depending on the quantity of bone needed, this can be the hip (for larger quantities) all the way down to an intra-oral site, such as the chin or the back of the jaw. Autogenous bone grafts have shown to be some of the most predictable grafts in surgery.
Most of us have had amalgam fillings (silver) or gold filling restorations. Some amalgam fillings were what we have called mercury fillings, as some amalgam fillings contained mercury. Metal fillings were effective, but very conspicuous and tended to blacken in color over time. Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. Tooth fillings colored to look like a natural tooth are known as composite resin dental fillings and they are made of a plastic dental resin. Composite fillings are strong, durable, and create a very natural looking smile.
Dental sealants can play an important role in helping to prevent cavities. The dentist bonds a plastic coating into the pits and fissures of the tooth, having a smoother tooth surface that is less likely to trap food and plaque and which is easier to clean with the toothbrush.
There are tiny canals within your tooth that may become infected. This leads to the pulp inside your tooth also becoming infected as well. Either your dentist or an endodontist can remove any infection by performing a root canal treatment. The canals are cleaned and then filled and the tooth receives either a filling or a crown.
Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are usually made from porcelain, composite resin, and sometimes even from gold. Because they can be created from tooth-colored materials, inlays and onlays are often used to replace metal fillings for patients who desire a more natural looking smile.
Since dental inlays and onlays can be made from durable, tooth-colored porcelain, they offer much more enduring and natural-looking results than metal fillings. In addition, their customized nature allows dentists to securely bond them to the tooth surface, adding structural integrity and preventing bacteria from entering and forming cavities.
Like dental inlays, onlays can be created from tooth-colored material, which makes them virtually undetectable to the naked eye. Onlays also help to conserve more tooth structure because their use requires minimal removal a tooth's surface. Perhaps their most important benefit, however, is that, in saving damaged teeth, onlays help patients avoid the eventual need for more extensive treatment with dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Dental X-rays are images of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray images can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments. The X-rays use small amounts of radiation.
Panoramic X-rays show a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, and temporomandibular (jaw) joints. These X-rays do not find cavities. These X-rays do show problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumors), infections, and fractures.
A tiny video camera used to view the inside of the mouth, with the images projected onto a monitor screen. The images allow dentists and their patients to see the inside of the mouth in magnified form.
Dental cleaning involves removing plaque (soft, sticky, bacteria infested film) and tartar (calculus) deposits that have built up on the teeth over time. Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect the teeth. While this is a good thing, it also means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will eventually build up over time, like limescale in a pipe or kettle. Usually it is tooth coloured and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in colour. If the scale, or calculus is allowed to accumulate on the teeth it will unfortunately provide the right conditions for bacteria to thrive next to the gums. The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and you have a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular home care.
Professional Tooth Cleaning
Regular teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist is recommended to remove tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for a patient to reach on his own at home. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.
Most dental hygienists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned at least once every 12 to 24 months. More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during the treatment of many of the dental/oral disorders. Routine examination of the teeth is recommended at least every year. This may include annual dental X-rays. However, in between cleaning sessions by a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is essential to prevent cavities, tartar build-up, and gum disease.
Tooth jewellery is an elegant piece of jewellery. When placed on the tooth, the jewellery creates a distinctive expression of one's individuality. There are great designs which appeal to both males and females. Tooth jewellery is made of either 24-carat gold, white gold or glass crystal. The dentist uses a dental adhesive to apply the jewellery to the tooth. It is a 10-15 minute painless procedure. It is important that tooth jewellery does not harm or damage the tooth.
Tooth Extraction / Extrusion
A dental extraction (also referred to as exodontia) is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
