Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide the ultimate solution for missing teeth; a permanent alternative to dentures. A dental implant consists of an artificial titanium root which is used to anchor a permanent ceramic crown or removable denture.
Dental implants have been used successfully in Ireland for 30 years. At Callan Dental our visiting specialist Implantologist is guaranteed to use only the best dental implant systems and materials. Using only the highest quality implant materials is hugely important, as in effect, implants become part of your jawbone and should replace the natural root and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. Titanium is biocompatible and non-allergenic and has been used successfully in implants for hundreds of our patients over the past 20 years.
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 – or shrink away – leading to bone loss. Dental implants prevent this bone loss, thus preserving strength, facial features and a more youthful appearance.
Dr Breandán O’Niadh
B Dent. SDc. (TCD) Implantology (HSDM)
Dr O’Niadh graduated as a general dentist from Trinity College Dublin in 2004. In 2012, he commenced an Implantology fellowship in the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, and was mentored by world leaders in Implantology. Dr O’Niadh has a strong interest in digital dentistry and bone grafting.
What options are there with Dental Implants?
Single Implant Restoration
In cases where you are missing a single tooth a dental implant and crown may be an ideal solution. Here, an implant is placed which serves as a foundation for a ceramic crown. Using this method neighboring teeth are not compromised and bone loss that is associated with the missing tooth area is halted.
Supporting Dental Bridges
In cases where a number of adjacent teeth are missing, dental implants may be used to support a bridge. Here, one or more dental implants are placed and serve as a method of firmly fixing a bridge. Unlike the traditional bridge preparation, which requires supporting teeth to be ground down, this method protects the remaining healthy teeth while also protecting further loss of natural bone associated with tooth loss.
Anchoring Dentures
In cases where many or all teeth are missing, dental implants may be used to anchor a denture. Here, multiple strategically placed dental implants are placed to ensure that the denture is securely attached. A number of treatment options are possible including removable dentures, fixed on an implant bar and screw-retained bridge. Unlike a traditional denture, this method does not require the use of adhesive and ensures more comfort and functionality for the patient.
How do I go about getting a Dental Implant?
At the Callan Dental, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care. If you are considering dental implants, we encourage you to come in for a consultation with our specialist Implantologist Dr. Breandan O’Niadh, to discuss treatment options. During your consultation you will be assessed for suitability and an appropriate treatment plan will be advised. Treatment varies considerably across patients and depends on a number of factors including oral health, whether single or multiple implants are required, whether any bone/tissue grafting is needed, and healing time required.
Typically following consultation we will schedule your implant placement and follow up appointments. You may be advised to consider sedation options, which will be discussed at the consultation. You will receive comprehensive information regarding your treatment and advised about what to expect. If you have been referred by your dentist at Callan Dental, we will maintain strong communication with your general dentist throughout treatment.
Treatment can take between 6 weeks and 6 months depending on the treatment being done. Following implant placement and a healing phase, you will be recommended to place a crown, bridge or denture (depending on your needs). In some cases this will be conducted by your general dentist.