Implants 

Dental implantology is a successful and permanent way of replacing a single tooth, several teeth or a full set of dentures, with natural-looking replacements which are securely fixed into the jaw.

At Lincoln Street, we only use implant systems which are recognised for their quality and have a proven track record of success. If you have missing teeth, or are currently wearing dentures, dental implants should be considered for a long-term fixed solution. It is even possible to wear your existing dentures or make use of temporary bridgework between treatment procedures, thereby avoiding any embarrassment prior to the fixing of your new teeth.

The result is attractive, securely fixed replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants are permanent replacements for dental roots. This treatment is based on a medical phenomenon known as osseointegration, which means the implant integrates with the patient’s jawbone.

Professor Branemark discovered this phenomenon in 1952. Today more than five million patients have been treated with implants, thanks to that strangely worded phenomenon, osseointegration.

Today modern permanent solutions using implants can radically improve not only function and appearance, but generally also a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. In certain situations it is possible to have dental implants and new fully functioning teeth in just one session.

Some of the benefits of Dental implants

1. Preserves facial looks: When you lose the entire tooth – crown and root shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process.
2. Eat what you want: Implant-supported replacement teeth function like natural teeth because they are anchored securely in your jaw. This allows you to eat your favourite food in comfort and confidence.
3. Restores lost chewing efficiency: Typical denture patients with excellent fitting dentures eat at 15 to 20 percent of the efficiency of people with natural teeth. Dental implants restore lost efficiency allowing you to once again enjoy your favourite foods without thinking twice about it.
4. Saves healthy teeth: With traditional treatments, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to drill healthy teeth.
5. A solution for life: A Dental implant offers a long lasting solution, often for life.
6. Quality of life: Once you experience the benefits of new and permanent teeth you may well experience renewed confidence and improved quality of life as well.
7. Improved speech: Unlike implants, dentures shift inside your mouth causing mumblings, slurred speech and clicking noises. These problems can be eliminated with implants. Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth enabling you to speak with comfort and confidence.

Different examples where implants can be used to treat an appropriate situation:

SINGLE TOOTH MISSING

Benefits of an all-ceramic crown on implant: When both tooth and root are damaged the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution looks and functions just like a natural tooth

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult us to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

Installing the new tooth – Step-by-step

	1. Before the procedure: The dentist makes a first examination and takes one or more X-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure.
	2. Installing the implant: The implant is installed. At this time, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you to eat and function like normal almost immediately. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.
	3. Attaching the new crown: The final step is the placement of the permanent Procera® ceramic crown. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed.
	4. End result: You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean and healthy.

SEVERAL TEETH MISSING

Benefits with fixed bridge on implants: In this case, when replacing three teeth in the far back of the mouth, a bridge anchored to dental implants is the only fixed alternative. Traditional dentures can’t offer the same stability or function

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult us to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

Installing the new tooth – Step-by-step

	1. Before the procedure: Three teeth in the back of the mouth are missing. The only real replacement alternative is installing a fixed bridge. The bridge contains all teeth in one piece and is anchored on dental implants.
	2. Installing the implants: First, the implants are installed. This is normally done in a single session. A temporary bridge may be placed at the same time, making it possible for you to function as normal almost immediately after leaving the dental practice.
	3. Attaching the bridge: The implants need to integrate with the jawbone before the permanent bridge is attached. This is normally done 1-2 months after the implant installation. The time will vary, depending on the teeth affected and the esthetic demands.
	4. End result: The new Procera® bridge will handle all the pressure that your strong, natural back teeth did. You will have a stable and secure solution that allows you to eat what you want.

ALL MISSING TEETH

Benefits of a fixed bridge on implants: When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution.

Before dental implants, there was no fixed solution available for people who lost all their teeth. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and highly esthetic solution.

The course of treatments described here is two of several options available. Consult us to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

Installing the fixed bridge – Step-by-step

	1. Installing the implants: The first step is installing dental implant. In this case, five implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached that enable you to eat and function as normal while waiting for the permanent bridge to be installed.
	2. Attaching the bridge: The final bridge is securely installed on top of the implants.
	3. End result: Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural – both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience.

Overdenture treatment – Step-by-step

	1. Installing the implants: The first step is installing dental implants to secure the overdentures. Only two implants are needed.
	2. Attaching the dentures: The dentures is securely installed on top of the implants. They will be removable for cleaning and oral hygiene.
	3. End result: No worry about slipping, sliding or clicking dentures. Your dentures will be stablised by the implants.

COMMON QUESTIONS

About dental implants

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth.

Are the dental implants successful?

With more than three decades of clinical experience and over five million patients treated, crowns and bridges supported by Nobel Biocare implants are highly successful. Our statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual implants – even higher for the bridges they support. Dental implants placed in our first patient 40 years ago are still functioning today!

How much do implants cost?

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and a separate fee for attaching the posts and constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have us examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, we will recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Who is a candidate

Will dental implants work for me?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone.

Is old age a problem?

Occasionally, older people express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. We will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

Benefits over traditional treatment

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge? Improved appearance: When you lose an entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. Maintained natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be drilled and filed to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth. Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after installation. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Expected results

How will dental implants affect my life?

Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you are used to. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Will my new teeth look natural?

When dental implants are used in conjunction with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.

Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?

Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

Treatment and care

How much time is required for an implant placement?

Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in two steps. The dentist began by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient was given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown could be put in place.

Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has simplified the procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as the patient’s dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.

Is the treatment painful?

Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. We will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.

How will I feel after the treatment?

It is normal to have some small bruises and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.

How will I care for my implants?

Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth.