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Full bridge based on X dental implants

Dental implants are a well documented, cost effective solution for missing teeth, providing a long term solution to common dental problems. The implant screw replaces the root portion of a tooth and is made of titanium. Dr Loukas only uses a specific alloy that is a mixture of titanium and porcelain. This material increases the strength of the dental implant and reduces the presence of metal. The implants are fixed into the jaw and the restoration is connected with a screw retained implant bridge. The structure is adjusted to fully restore the functions of chewing and speaking. This is a traditional method of implant treatment.

Treatment on four implants, especially in the lower arch, can be provided to patients. This allows an arch of new teeth to be based on four implants. The treatment is recommended for patients with anatomic limitations and with over denture contraindications. The implants are placed in precise angles to provide optimum support for the arch and complete stability of the fixed prosthetic work. In mandible (lower jaw) this technique has been successfully used for many years. In the maxilla (upper jaw)  we prefer to use at least 5 implants to get a good support for a short arch.

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Planning 

The first step will be an appointment with Dr Loukas. This meeting gives you the opportunity to ask your surgeon any questions and find out if you are a candidate for dental implants. Dr Loukas will perform some tests and decide if you need to extract a tooth prior to implant placement. If you are a successful candidate for implants, then we will explain how the treatment is working and a letter will be prepared along with a draft of appointments. A CBCT X-ray for this type of case is necessary. Preparation of the provisional teeth will start prior the treatment day.

The application process includes placing the implants at specific angles, with the two posterior implants to be placed at 45 degrees, avoiding the anatomic limitstion and at the same time provide a good restorative position.  The location of the implants are designed so as to provide better support and retain and facilitate the healing process.

When implants are placed, they can connect with specific abutments the provisional fixed bridge. The abutments are small devices that connect the implants to the new bridge. Usually the provisional teeth are acrylic. Dr Loukas prefer the final teeth to be porcelain and not acrylic for his patients.

Once the provisional fixed implant bridge has been fitted, you will be asked to arrange regular appointments so Dr Loukas will be able to monitor the progress of the healing. After around 3-6 months the healing implant osseointegration will be completely, and the permanent restorations can be applied.

What differs this method of treatment compared to conventional dental implants;

The “All on 4 implants” are unlike traditional implants because the 4 implants support the entire dental arch, when it usually takes about 6-10 implants to support a bridge. The four implants are capable of supporting an arch because of the angles with which the implants are placed, to the rear at 45 degrees which helps to lock together the implants. As needed only four implants, the process is faster and less invasive. The cost is significant lower. Dr Loukas suggest 4 implants on the lower jaw and 5 to 6 implants for the upper jaw if a patients want a fixed restoration.

Advantages
  • It takes only four implants to restore an entire arch, the process is faster for the lower arch and less invasive with fewer visits to the dentist.
  • Provisional teeth are applied at the same day, which means that you will be able to operate with limited disruption.

FAQ

It’s painful process?

The process is designed to minimize the discomfort. You may be a mild pain and swelling in the area after the procedure, but this can be minimized by the use of the usual antiflamatory tablets.. Most patients recover very quickly and usually return to work the next day.

Matching results with the natural dentition?

You are in safe hands with Dr Loukas, with his restorative background and collaboration with expert dental laboratories , you can be sure of the ability to work with you to create the best replacement of teeth,in colour and shape and not to be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and implants.

I need to be a certain age to this method?

General health is the primary factor for the choice of method in relation to age. If you are healthy enough for a tooth extraction it is most likely to be healthy enough for the particular method. As we will evaluate the oral condition, hard and soft tissue with any remaining teeth in order to be sure that you get the best results.

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COVID NOTICE

Announcement of opening day - 15th June 2020

We are excited to welcome patients into the practice from the 15th June 2020.

  • Dental Implant consultations
  • Implant referrals from other dentists
  • Patients with implant complications
  • Teeth extractions

Our opening hours have been extended. This allows extra flexibility for the cleaning time between appointments and ensures the environment remains as safe as possible for our patients, clinicians and practice colleagues.

As a private, specialist clinic we operate a single patient policy and do not accept walk ins, please call or email us to make an appointment. Dr Loukas is also able to run virtual consultations, helping us to address our patient’s needs sooner as well as reduce the number of face to face appointments where possible. 

To reach our team please call 01794 399987 or email us at

info@drloukasimplants.com

If you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19/Coronavirus, please let us know as soon as you can; do not attend your appointment and follow the government guidelines around self-isolation.

Before your appointment

To ensure that you have all the information easily to hand, we will send you all the key information before your appointment - including who you will be seeing, what treatment you will be having, the cost of your treatment and , what to do when you arrive. It is possible that we may ask you to complete and return a medical history form that will be sent and completed digitally, so please do not print this out and bring with you.

On the day of your appointment

Before you depart for the practice, we ask that where possible, you have already visited the lavatory, have ensured that you are hydrated and already brushed your teeth It is important that you do not bring a large number of things into the practice with you, so please ensure you only bring necessary items with you.

When you arrive, the doors will be locked, so please call to let our team know you have arrived and either stay in your car or outside of the practice (whilst maintaining good social distancing protocol) if you have arrived on foot. To minimise risk, please ensure you attend your appointment alone unless you require assistance or are supporting a child or someone vulnerable. We are encouraging card payments only so where possible, please do not arrive with cash.

Entering the practice

When it is time for your appointment, one of our team will call you to notify you to approach the practice. Please let us know if you do not have a mobile phone beforehand and we will make alternative arrangements. Before entering the practice, one of our trained colleagues will take your temperature to ensure you do not have a fever and invite you in if your temperature is safely below 37.5 degrees centigrade. Unfortunately, if you are above 37.5 degrees, we will have to rearrange your appointment for the safety of all those in practice.

Once you have been invited into the practice, you will be asked to sanitise your hands and correctly place a facemask on, which you will be shown how to do. We will require payment before your appointment (if appropriate), ideally by card, using our freshly disinfected card machines to ensure you can have a swift departure once your treatment has finished. Our practice colleagues will be behind protective plastic screens, but this is for the safety of everyone. No other patients will be waiting in the reception area and you will be guided to the appropriate treatment room, following the distance markers that will be displayed throughout practice.  

Treatment

Before you enter the treatment room, you will need to leave any loose belongings like your coat or bag in the designated box provided. Upon entering the treatment room, our teams will be wearing extra Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as in order to provide you with the right care and service, they cannot adhere to social distancing recommendations. This may mean that it is more difficult to see our colleagues and clinicians’ faces, but please be reassured that they will be the usual friendly team. Naturally we are also ensuring that each treatment room is carefully cleaned and disinfected after each patient. You will be asked to wash your hands and to place your mask into a plastic bag.

If you are attending for a treatment that requires an Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) - any procedure that has the potential to cause spray - you will be asked to carefully swill your mouth with a hydrogen peroxide solution for 1 minute. One of our team will talk you through this on the day. 

After the appointment

When your treatment is complete, you will replace your face mask, wash your hands and collect your belongings from the box outside the treatment room door. Before you leave the practice, you will dispose of your mask at the door and leave after using hand sanitiser one last time, before we say goodbye. If you have any questions after the appointment, we will be able to call you to discuss this further asour aim is to minimise your time in the practice, for your own safety.