If you’re concerned about keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you’re in the right place. Jonathan Portner, who provides a top quality, caring service to his patients at the Portner Pittack Dental Practice, is here to pass on his expert advice to ease your worries about the health of your teeth and gums. Here he answers a question about how to ensure you get the right implants …
Question:
“I have had a large bridge for many years and have been advised I may need implants in the near future. What questions should I ask when researching this and what is a good answer please! Also what amount of bone density do I need to enable me to have implants?”
Jonathan says:
“Implants are a very successful long term replacement for missing natural teeth, but there are many questions you need to ask.
For example :
- How many implants have you placed and restored and over what length of time?
- What is your success rate and how do you deal with failures?
- Which system do you usually prefer and why?
- Do you place the implants and restore them, if not who does?
- Will I need a fixed bridge held by implants and have I got enough bone quantity and quality?
- Will I need a CT scan to assess the bone quantity and quality?
- Do I need sedation?
- How long will the treatment take and what will I wear after the bridge has been removed and I'm waiting for the implants to "integrate" with the bone?
- How experienced are the technicians you use in implants?
After an examination you should be offered a treatment plan and estimate covering different options. It is then that you can ask more questions about the look, design, materials and aftercare.
More experienced dentists are likely to use one of the better systems which have been established for many years and have a good track record of success. These companies are at the leading edge of research and development and are likely to offer guarantees on their products.
Base your decision on "informed consent" ie carry out your own research.
Most implants are made of the purest medical grade titanium as are the posts (abutments) and screws. The crowns or bridges are usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Sometimes the abutments and crowns are made in zirconium which is a hard all ceramic material and can offer a better appearance on the front teeth.
Phone or email the dentist you are thinking of going to and speak to the dentist personally who should give you impartial advice and confidence to go ahead with treatment.”
You can find out more about how Jonathan Portner can help keep your teeth healthy and the services his practice provides here.
www.portnerpittack.co.uk
020 8349 3924