Missing teeth can be a real worry for some people and can have a significant effect on a person’s self-esteem and confidence in their smile. Not only that but it can have longer term impacts on how you eat and speak as well as your overall oral health. Read more about Dental Implants here.
Dental implants are the ideal solution for replacing single or multiple missing teeth and can be used to hold crowns, bridges or entire dentures in place. A threaded titanium fixture placed into the jaw bone which, when integrated, allows a tooth to be screwed or cemented onto it.
What are Dental Implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are titanium screws which are placed into the jawbone in the space left by the lost tooth. Over a period of months, the screw fuses with your own bone tissue and effectively replicates the lost tooth’s root. Once successfully fused to your jawbone we can attach a crown, bridge or denture depending on the number and location of missing teeth and treatment plan agreed.
What are the benefits of a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacement of missing tooth. It is the closest we can mimic your natural tooth without risking long term damage to adjacent teeth as is the case for bridges or require large areas of plastic to aid suction as with dentures. It is a permanently fixed option and does not need to be removed after eating or at night time.
What is involved in the process?
No two patients or presentation cases are the same, therefore, we cannot guarantee exactly how long or how many appointments your implant journey will take. A single, uncomplicated implant case will typically consist of:
Initial consultation – at this appointment the dentist will carry out a thorough assessment where they will be able to determine the suitability of an implant, present all other viable treatment options and design a bespoke plan to best meet your needs.
Implant placement – the titanium implant will be placed into your jawbone under local anaesthetic. The process is relatively painless and will take approximately 60 minutes. The implant will not be visible as it will be covered by the gum and a temporary prosthesis (bridge or denture) may be placed, or the gap will be left.
Uncovering – a small incision will be made in the gum to locate the implant and a temporary attachment will be placed to help shape the gum and improve aesthetics.
Impressions – an impression will be taken of your mouth and gums which will be used to create your permanent restoration prosthesis to be attached to the implant and fill the gap.
Restoration of Implant – the final prosthesis that has been created will be attached and fitted to the implant creating a reliable, long lasting, comfortable, and natural looking replacement that you will have confidence in.