Dental Implants

[david]

If you have decided that dental implants are the way to go there are a couple of things you need to be aware of. I'll update this as things crop up.

First off. If you are looking to go anywhere overseas for implants you should at some stage be asked for a copy of a panoramic x-ray and or a CT scan. This needs to done to assess your suitability for Implants. Nothing worse than turning up overseas only to find you need a sinus lift or bone graft.

Or worse your dentist takes a risk and inserts the implant in less than ideal conditions because a) The patient puts the dentist under pressure to go ahead  and that they'll take the chance. b) The dentist may be reluctant to lose the business and go ahead anyway.

Ideally get an assessment from your local dentist to your suitability. It's up to you if you tell your dentist that your thinking of going overseas for them but if you do, be prepared for a negative reaction.

There are excellent clinics overseas. You just have to find them.

If you are having teeth extracted and replaced with implants then you really should have your extractions completed at least eight weeks before traveling.

If implants are inserted immediately into a fresh extraction point they will have a greater risk of failure due to the implant  occupying the same space as the extracted tooth. This leaves less than ideal material for the implant to grip.

Leaving the socket to heal for six to eight weeks ensures the implant is inserted into an ideal environment. From there the patient needs to follow a schedule of oral hygiene most critical during the healing stages. Looked after, Implants will last the rest of your life.

Failure of the implant component is rare where as failure due to neglected hygiene is much more common.   

We take two to three weeks to complete multiple implants. This allows time to monitor the implant for correct placement and that it has knitted efficiently with the bone. We also carefully monitor for signs of infection and or rejection. We are extremely pedantic when it come to implants.

Of coarse this doesn't mean you are required at the clinic everyday all day. There is plenty of time to shop and explore.