Losing a tooth is a common worry for many people. Whether through an accident, decay or gum disease, sometimes the best thing for a tooth is to remove it and replace with an implant. Removing a problem tooth can relieve pain and nip future problems in the bud.
Thanks to dental implants, a restored tooth can last a lifetime. Acting like an artificial root, implants use a titanium post to support a custom-made porcelain ‘tooth’. If more than one tooth needs to be replaced, an implant can support a bridge.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, implants are the best choice for longevity and reliability. The properties of titanium mean that it’s accepted by the body so the implants fuse to the jawbone, becoming very secure. The implant, when fully fused, can support a crown just like a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to support dentures.
Having an implant helps the general health of the supporting structures of your teeth. It prevents the jawbone from degrading, which can then affect your facial structure. It’s best to give your jawbone as much of a foundation as possible.
Before we go ahead with the treatment, we need to assess your bone density. We use 3D x-ray equipment to get an accurate picture of the jaw bone density we are working with. If we feel you don’t have enough bone density, we can still place an implant if you have a bone graft. This procedure involves replenishing any lost bone at the site we want to place the implant.
If you want to check if you are suitable for having an implant, arrange for a consultation and one of our dentists can talk through the treatment with you.
Book a consultation todayWe first take scans or x-rays to get a good picture of your teeth and supporting structures. These will help us plan your treatment – especially if you are having more than one implant. Having an implant takes more than one appointment with recovery time between each step.
We place the implant during one appointment which can take around an hour. We always use local anaesthetic and can arrange for sedation if you are nervous about the treatment. It takes a few months for the implant to heal and fuse to the jawbone. Once fully fused, we arrange for the next appointment, which involves exposing the top of the implant where the abutment will fit. The next step is to take 3D scans of the site which will then be used to create the custom-made crown or bridge that will sit on the implant.
Once the new teeth have been crafted at the dental lab and sent to us, we invite you back for the fitting. We make sure that the restorations fit perfectly and mesh together when you bite. Once happy, we fix the restoration to the implant with dental cement.
Just like natural teeth, your implant will last longer if your oral health is looked after. The healthier your gums and mouth, the most likely your implant will stay in place and working for you. Regular visits to the dentist and hygienist will allow us to keep a good eye on your implant and make sure that it is well looked after.
Restore your smile and benefit from a long-lasting replacement for any missing teeth. Book a consultation today to get started.
Book a consultation todayIf you have sufficient bone density, you can receive an implant. We'll assess your jaw health first. If necessary, a bone graft can restore lost bone tissue. In cases of severe gum disease, bone replacement might be required to maintain jaw health.
Dental implant procedures shouldn't be painful. We use local anesthesia, and any post-surgery discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. For those who are anxious, sedation is an option. Many patients find implant treatment less painful than a tooth extraction.
Placing a dental implant is a quick procedure, typically lasting between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of implants. Healing and integration with the jawbone take about 3-6 months before the new teeth can be attached.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene, overall health, and regular dental check-ups. While the crown or bridge may need replacing over time due to wear and tear, the implant itself can be permanent.
Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They provide a stable foundation, and with the natural-looking replacement tooth on top, no one will notice you have an implant.
Maintain a regular and thorough cleaning routine to ensure your implants last. While the replacement teeth resist bacteria, the supporting gum tissue and bone do not. Keeping your mouth bacteria-free is crucial for the longevity of your implants.
For information and advice or to ask us any questions, please use the contact form below to get in touch. A member of our team will get back to you as soon as they possibly can.
