Q. Should implants last for life, are they easy to take care of and would all dentists do a good job. I have been given an estimate by a Dr Reza Ardalan, Lodge Causeway, Bristol on what he advises, I am just wondering whether to see anybody else.

A. Implants last a long time and sometimes they do last forever but sooner or later things can fail in the mouth even if looked after properly. There are many things that can be done to increase the longevity of implants. The implant needs to be correctly treatment planned, ie we need to make sure the bone quality and quantity is good enough, implants ideally shouldn’t be placed in people that smoke, are immunocompromised or have gum disease. There needs to be sufficient healing time before the final crown is placed over the top of the implant, the implant shouldn’t be placed in extreme proximity to another root, The final restoration should not interfere with btes and chewing patterns and the implant and crown should be well looked after. Regular check ups and hygiene visits are needed to make sre that implant stays clean. There is a condition called periimplantitis. This means the bones and gum holding the implant in become infected and the implant falls out. This is why so much has to be taken into account before the implant is placed. If you have to have a tooth removed before the implant is placed, this too has to be extracted in a very careful manner to preserve the bone and blood supply in the area.
If you are unsure that your dentist is able to carry out placement you can ask him how many he has done and whether he has any before and after photos. Also ask if he has a knowledge of occlusion. This is the study of the jaw and how the teeth bite together. This is essential for anyone carrying out these types of treatments
I hope this helps
Kind Regards 

Dr Komal Suri
Smile Design Dental
www.smiledesigndental.co.uk
Tel: 01296 624163
33 High Street
Wendover Buckinghamshire
HP22 6DU