Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don’t allow building dentures or bridgework tooth replacements.
Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials can’t decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can.
Benefits of Dental Implant:
- Restores the ability to chew
- Restores cosmetic appearance
- Helps keep the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss
- Preserves the health of the surrounding bone and gums
- Helps keep adjacent (nearby) teeth stable
- Improves quality of life
Whether you need to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth or want extra security for your denture, our implants will look and feel like your own teeth, creating a seamless natural smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dental Implants?
An implant restoration consists of three parts:The Dental ImplantA dental implant is a small, sturdy, titanium post that is placed into the jaw. It acts as the root structure would for a natural tooth. We use Nobel Biocare, Ankylos and Astra implants, all of which are scientifically and technically superior implant systems.The AbutmentThe abutment or post is an attachment which connects the dental implant (on the lower part of the post) to a crown (on the upper part of the post). The post will not be visible once the crown is fitted onto itThe CrownA replacement tooth called a crown is created and placed on to the post. Where several teeth are missing, a bridge or denture can be placed on the implant posts. All our crowns and bridges are made to your exact specification, match exactly to your natural teeth and are extremely hard wearing.
Why would I need Dental Implants?
No matter what your age, as long as you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone, are in good health and maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you could be suitable for dental implants.
Dental implants may not be the ideal option if you:
- Smoke heavily – hinders and slows down the healing process
- Drink alcohol excessively – affects gum healing
- Periodontal gum disease – gum disease will affect the success of your implant procedure and must be treated prior to treatment
- Have an Immunocompromised health, e.g. taking steroids, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
How many Dental Implants will I need?
- A single tooth implant is used to replace one missing tooth.
- If you have several missing teeth, you do not need a dental implant for every missing tooth. Several missing teeth can be supported by dental implants through a bridge or denture.
- Where all teeth are missing, a full set of teeth can be supported on 4-6 dental implants in each jaw which distributes the load evenly.
What is the procedure?
The process takes a series of appointments. We use the latest scan technology to assess whether you are suitable for an implant. This scan also helps us determine where the implant should be placed within the jawbone. The soft tissues are then prepared under local anaesthesia. A small hole is drilled into the jaw bone in which the dental implant is placed.
Titanium implants are placed in your jaw and merge with your bone. After the bone has grown around the implant, which takes about two to six months, a crown, bridge or over-denture is placed onto the implant.
Our new revolutionised treatment makes the process of fitting implants much quicker and more comfortable.
What are the benefits of Dental Implants?
- You can gain security and a better quality of life
- Have an attractive smile
- Enjoy eating food again.
- You can speak with confidence.
- Your dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth and truly are the next best thing to having your own teeth.
- They are very durable and can last a lifetime.
- Made from titanium, they replace your tooth roots and integrate with your jawbone, and help to keep the bone healthy and intact.
How long do Dental Implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime.
Like any other dental restoration, you need to look after them. Implant supported teeth can still be damaged by trauma and can be affected by gum disease or poor oral hygiene. Regular visits with our hygienist will help.
Are there any other treatments available?
Implants are the best solution in every way and can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth or all teeth safely. Other non-implant options that you might want to consider are dental bridges and dentures.
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