Missing or failing teeth? A post-pandemic guide to dental implant treatment

COVID-19 and the national lockdowns in the UK greatly affected dental services.  During the height of the pandemic, many practices had to limit or suspend non-emergency dental procedures to prioritise the safety of patients and staff.  This disruption in routine dental services resulted in a backlog for all treatment, including dental implants.

According to the World Health Organisation, the COVID-19 pandemic no longer constitutes a global health emergency.  Access to dentistry is improving as the recovery of dental services continue, but what do potential patients considering dental implant treatment need to know right now? Check out our definitive guide below:

Contents

• Are practices taking dental implant bookings?
• What safety measures are in place?
• Should I attend an appointment if I suspect I have COVID?
• What exactly is a dental implant?
• What are the benefits of having dental implants?
• What should be my first step towards dental implant treatment?
• What can I expect in a full clinical consultation for dental implants?
• Do I need a referral from my dentist?
• How long does dental implant treatment take?
• How long do dental implants last?
• Can COVID-19 affect the success of dental implants?
• Will having long-COVID affect implant treatment?

Are practices taking dental implant bookings?

If you have been suffering from problems caused by missing or loose teeth and are keen to explore the option of implant treatment, it is a good time to start thinking about your future oral health.  Although waiting times may vary from practice to practice, access to appointments and advice is available for treatments such as dental implants.

What safety measures are in place?

Dental practices have always maintained very efficient cross infection controls and follow strict safety protocols to ensure patient wellbeing.  Additional safety measures were put in place during the pandemic to further minimise the Coronavirus risk.  The precautions include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and enhanced cleaning, sanitation and sterilisation.  Air filtration systems for increased ventilation have been installed by many practices.  Dental surgeries are also striving to create a safer environment by investing in new technologies to help maintain social distancing.  This includes implementing patient scheduling software that manages appointments, patient numbers and records.  Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams are also being used for consultations, allowing dentists and patients to communicate remotely.

Your dental implant team will be committed to providing a safe, hygienic and comfortable environment and will be pleased to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have.

Should I attend an appointment if I suspect I have COVID?

Patients should not attend a dental practice with the symptoms of COVID-19, for example a high temperature, new continuous cough, loss of taste and smell, or if they have received a positive test result.  The current British Dental Association guidelines recommend that a patient who has tested positive in the last 10 days or has symptoms of a respiratory illness should inform the practice and, if possible, reschedule their appointment for a later date.  However, many practices offer video consultations which can allow you to speak with a dental implant coordinator or dentist to discuss treatment and receive initial guidance without the need for a face-to-face visit.

What exactly is a dental implant?

Implants are permanent replacements for failing or missing tooth roots.  Titanium or zirconium posts replace the root of the tooth and support a cosmetic crown that looks and feels like a real tooth.  The dental implant restoration usually consists of three components.  The section replacing the root is a small titanium screw.  The titanium posts fuse with the jawbone and provide the foundation for individual crowns, bridges or even a full set of teeth – like a denture.  The other two parts of a dental implant are known as the abutment (the connector) and the replacement tooth (the crown). 

What are the benefits of having dental implants?

Dental implants have helped many people who suffer from missing or failing teeth regain the ability to eat, chew and smile, restoring their confidence at work and socially.  Implants can help boost self-esteem as they look, feel and function like natural teeth.  The benefits of implants are:

Confident smile – If you have a missing tooth or teeth, especially if there is a gap which is visible when you smile, you may feel self-conscious and embarrassed.  Dental implants can help you regain a healthy smile and your confidence.

Full chewing power – Chose the food you want to eat, over food you can eat.   Dental implants function like your natural teeth, restoring your ability to eat and chew your favourite foods.

Bone loss prevention – The jawbone is stimulated by chewing and biting.  When you lose teeth, the jawbone no longer receives the necessary stimulation and begins to shrink (resorb).  Dental implants are the only restorative option that preserves and stimulates bone growth.  They are designed to fuse with bone and become part of your anatomy.

No damage to teeth – A fixed bridge requires an anchor, which involves the shaving down of teeth on one or both sides of the gap.  This preparation will remove a considerable amount of healthy tooth structure.  This results in the teeth supporting the bridge being damaged and crowned.   Dental implants do not impact on healthy teeth.

Improved speech – Pronouncing some words can be difficult if you have lost certain teeth.  Poor fitting dentures can also move within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words.  Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might become loose and slip.

Secure, comfortable and convenient teeth – Implant-supported restorations don’t cause irritated gums or sore spots.  Unlike conventional dentures that are not fixed, you don’t have to worry about implants falling out.  Dental implants avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need to apply sticky adhesives to keep them securely in place.

Unimpaired taste – A conventional upper denture will cover the roof of your mouth.   By replacing it with an implant-retained denture, you may notice that food tastes much better, as your taste buds will no longer be covered by an acrylic plate.

What should be my first step towards dental implant treatment?

If you are missing a tooth or teeth, you may find it helpful to first attend an exploratory dental implant consultation.  Many practices offer a free, no obligation initial consultation for prospective patients.  Some clinics are offering remote video or phone consultations which allow patients to learn more about the treatment process during a relaxed conversation from the comfort of their own home.  This meeting may be with the implant treatment coordinator or dentist and can help you consider all the options available to treat your dental problems.  It will also be a good opportunity to ask questions about the treatment process so that you can make an informed decision. 

In order to give you the best advice, you will be asked for details about your medical history and lifestyle, and anything else that may affect the treatment.  Your budget and time constraints will also be considered, and you may be shown results that have been achieved for other patients in a similar situation. 

What can I expect in a full clinical consultation for dental implants?

If you decide that you would like to progress with implants, the next step would be a full clinical consultation with the dental implant surgeon.  This is a more detailed examination, for which most dentists will charge a fee. 

During the appointment, the dentist will make a full assessment of your mouth and review your dental problems, social habits and medical history.  X-rays and impressions or an inter-oral scan of your mouth will be taken.  When planning for dental implants, imaging technology such as computed tomography (CT) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans may also be used to provide precise information, so that your implant dentist can develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This assessment helps determine if you are suitable for dental implants.

After all the examinations and scans have been completed, your dentist will prepare a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.  The treatment options, timeline and costs will be discussed at this stage.

Do I need a referral from my dentist?

No, you don’t need a referral.  You can make a dental implant appointment with any of the clinics listed on www.click4teeth.com.  Find the dentist closest to you and contact them directly through the website.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

The length of treatment varies depending on the type of implant procedure.  The number of implants placed, their location in the mouth and whether bone grafting is required, can also affect how long treatment can take.  The entire process, from start to finish, can take several months.

Dental implant treatment is usually a two or three step process.  Following any preparatory treatment, such as extractions or bone grafting, a titanium post is placed into your jawbone.  This will eventually act as your new tooth root.  After a period of healing, teeth implants become anchored and stable, thanks to osseointegration.  This is a process whereby jawbone cells grow up to the implant surface to grip it securely resulting in a secure bond between the tooth and surrounding bone.   

Osseointegration occurs over a period of six weeks to six months, depending on the location of the implants and the health of the jawbone.  During this time, temporary teeth may be fitted.  Once the implants are fully integrated, the permanent replacement teeth are fixed on top of the implants or implant posts.  Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the healing process.

How long do dental implants last?

If properly looked after, dental implants can last a lifetime.  This makes them an excellent investment.  Dental implants must be cared for in the same way as normal, healthy teeth by daily brushing, flossing and attending regular check-ups.  According to The Oral Health Foundation, ‘If your implants are well looked after, and if the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years.’

Can COVID-19 affect the success of dental implants?

Dental implant success rates in the UK are very good and according to the Association of Dental Implantology, can be as high as 95%, if the implants are looked after properly.  COVID-19 may have potential implications for dental implant treatment and there are a few points to consider if you’ve had the virus, especially if you experienced severe symptoms or had underlying health conditions. 

Coronavirus can temporarily weaken your immune system, which may affect the healing process after dental implant surgery, so it's important to ensure that you have fully recovered before undergoing any procedure to minimise the risk of complications.  It’s also crucial to inform your dentist about any medication you are currently taking or were prescribed during your illness, as this could affect the success of your dental implants or interact with medications used during treatment. 

Your dentist will evaluate your overall health, review any potential risks and determine the best course of action regarding dental implant treatment.  If you’ve had COVID-19 recently or experienced complications, it may be recommended that your dental implant procedure is postponed, to allow sufficient time for your body to fully recover.

Will having long-COVID affect implant treatment?

Long-COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist or develop after the COVID-19 infection.  According to the NHS, long-COVID is a new condition which is still being studied.  Symptoms can vary widely between individuals and can affect people differently.  If you are considering dental implant treatment and are experiencing ongoing symptoms, it's essential to consult with your dental professional.  You should provide a comprehensive medical history and communicate any long-COVID symptoms or complications to ensure an individualised treatment plan that takes your specific situation into account.