Implants

Dental Implants are just one of the ways of replacing missing teeth. Patients come to us from across London to have their dental implants placed by our specialists. Our Consultant Prosthodontist Dr Steve Bassi receives referrals from dental practices across London. Dr Bassi is a Prosthodontist which makes him expert at placing the finished crown, bridge or denture onto the titatium implant or giving help or advice to referring dentists about the best restoration method. He typically places Xive implants. Dr Szyszko our specialist oral surgeon carries out all the procedures that help to augment bone in preparation for implant placement.She places Astra Implants at the practice.

What is an Implant?

An Implant is an artificial tooth consisting of a root and a natural looking replacement tooth. The root is made of titanium, which is placed within the gum to form a secure foundation. The replacement tooth is made of porcelain, or a special plastic (sometimes on a metal base) and it is fitted on top of the titanium root. Sometimes the titanium root is used to anchor a denture firmly in place.

XIVE IMPLANTS

When would I need an Implant?

Implants are used to replace a missing tooth, or to replace a tooth that needs extraction. If a gap is left from a missing tooth, not only can it be unsightly but the other teeth on either side can tip into it over time, causing problems with the bite and in some cases, gum disease. Whilst partial dentures can be used to replace missing teeth, implants are usually a much better option since dentures can hasten the loss of the remaining natural teeth.

At Ethicare Dental we have a well defined protocol for placing implants.

1. You can book in directly with Dr Bassi or Dr Szyszko for an implant consultation
2. You are likely to require a CT scan to assess the available bone in 3 dimensions
3. If there is an adequate amount of bone the implant can be placed
4. A minor procedure to uncover the top of the titanium root.
5. Taking an impression of the implant to construct the new tooth
6. Fitting the replacement tooth onto the implant.

If the offending tooth needs to be removed first then you may have to wait 2-3 months before having the implant placed. Placement of implants immediately following the removal of the tooth is possible in some instances but the eventual success rate of the implant is lower. If there is insufficient bone to place an implant you would need to iether consider an alternative method of replacing the tooth/teeth or have a bone grafting procure to rebuild bone in an area. The dental implant(s) would typically be placed a few months later to allow time for the graft to take. Bone grafting procedures are carried out by our specialist oral surgeon Dr Yvonna Szyszko and she too receives referrals from across London. Occasionally simple bone grafting procedures can be carried out at the time of implant placement but the greater the severity of bone loss the greater the liklihood a separate procedure will be required.

Who would be placing my Implant?

Here at Ethicare Dental we are very proud to have a Consultant Specialist Prosthodontist, Dr Steve Bassi to place our Implants. Actually any dentist who has been on some sort of training course can place implants. However we believe that with a procedure such as implant placement it is important that the clinician has had a high level of training and experience. Dr Bassi is about as qualified as you can be (please see his biog).The fact that he is a prosthodontist is also important. This means he will have in depth understanding of the crown, bridge or denture that will go on top of your implant. This kind of understanding will inform him regarding the treatment plan that is specific to you, where precisely within the bone the implant should be placed and what type of restoration would be most appropriate. This understanding is not a skill that every dentist who places implants will have.

Dr Szyszko is a specialist in oral surgery. She carries out any bone grafting or sinus lifts at the practice and often works closely with Dr Bassi. Dr Szyszko is happy to carry out her procedures using Intravenous sedation and also places Astra implants.

WHAT GOES ON TOP OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If only one tooth is being replaced then a crown will go on top of the implant. If more than one tooth is missing in one area of your mouth then a decision will need to be made as to whether individual dental implants are placed to replace each missing tooth. Sometimes fewer implants are placed and a bridge is placed to connect the implants. If more than just a few teeth are missing then the implants can act to provide greater support and retention for a removable denture or provide support for a fixed bridge. The pros and cons of each treatment option and finished restoration will be discussed with you prior to starting implant treatment.

Before and after:

Dr. Steve Bassi BDS, LDSRCS(Eng), FDSRCPS(Glasg),
FDSRCSEd, FDS (Rest Dent), RCPS, MDentSci

Consultant in Restorative Dentistry
Specialist in Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontics and Periodontics

Clinics: Saturdays 10.30 am – 2.00 pm
Private Appointments: Ethicare Dental Tel: 020 8870 5059

Training and Background

Dr Bassi qualified from the University of London and then entered into a period of General Professional Training that included posts in general dental practice and the hospital services. During this time he gained his Fellowship from the Royal Colleges of Glasgow and Edinburgh. In 1999, Dr Bassi commenced a 5-year Specialist Registrar training programme in restorative dentistry that provided extensive experience of complex restorative problems including the management of patients requiring implant, prosthodontic, periodontal and endodontic treatment. He also passed the Master of Dental Science degree with distinction for his research on resin-bonded bridges. Dr Bassi has lectured extensively and published a wide variety of articles in scientific journals, and also has a Consultant post in Restorative Dentistry.

Specific Interests

Restorative Dentistry – the treatment of general and complex restorative problems including the management of worn teeth, correcting cosmetic dental problems and rehabilitating the failing dentition.

Prosthodontics – crown and bridgework and all types of partial and complete dentures.

Implantology – placement and restoration of dental implants and maintenance/long-term care of implants.

Periodontics – gum treatment ranging from scaling and polishing of teeth through to complex surgical techniques.

Service at Ethicare Dental

Dr Bassi provides a consultation, diagnostic and treatment service in accordance with his special interests.

Dr. Yvonne Szyszko BDS (London), MFDSRCS (Eng),
M Surg Dent Specialist in Oral Surgery

Yvonna Szyszko qualified from Guy’s Hospital in 1996. After completing her vocational training in the London deanery, she worked for 3 years as a hospital senior house officer in oral and maxillofacial surgery. During this time, she was awarded her MFDS and M.Surg. Dent postgraduate exams.

In 2001, Yvonna moved to Australia to take up the position of lecturer in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Sydney, working at Westmead and the United Dental Hospitals. This involved lecturing, clinical teaching and also head and neck anatomy demonstrating. She also worked in general practice for the Australian health care fund.

Having moved back to England, Yvonna is involved in lecturing and examining at the Royal College of Surgeons in England. She has completed many courses in life support and trauma, SAAD sedation, teaching, forensic dentistry and anthropology and in wrinkle reduction treatments.

Yvonna is a specialist in oral surgery and provides a wide range of oral surgery procedures, as well as anti-wrinkle treatments, with her extensive knowledge of facial anatomy. She also works in a hospital in the speciality of oral and maxillofacial surgery.