Implants are probably the best way of replacing teeth, although they are only one of a number of ways teeth can be replaced. If you have a gap in your smile due to missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer a strong, stable and very natural looking restorative option. Implants are also incredibly versatile and can even be used to support and retain dentures.
Dental implants use titanium posts placed in your jaw to support a replacement tooth or a bridge for multiple missing teeth. Implants act just like tooth roots and create a very long-lasting replacement. Titanium is used for dental implants as it is very well tolerated by the body. Over time, the titanium root fuses to the surrounding bone in the jaw, becoming a solid and durable foundation.
Teeth can be lost as a result of gum disease, dental decay, trauma, and injury. Having a missing tooth can greatly impact your self-confidence, especially if the gap is visible when you smile. Dental implants can be used to give you stable and supported replacement teeth for life. You can talk and smile in public without the worry your restoration will slip or fail, and can confidently eat whichever food you choose. While there are different options available for replacing missing teeth, implants are seen as superior. They are long-lasting, secure, and strengthen your jaw.
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Find out moreImplant dentistry is an extremely specialised procedure and we believe is best carried out by implant experts who have had extra training and are very skilled and experienced.
We are extremely fortunate to have the foremost implant centre in the south-east on our doorstep. We are totally confident you will receive the very best treatment with them. We have a close relationship with The Implant Centre and most of our patients return to us to have their crown or bridge made by us after the implant is fully embedded.
Firstly, discuss your implant options with your dentist. They will explain all of the possibilities and associated costs for replacing your missing teeth. If you decide that implants are your best option, we will refer you for a consultation.
If you have enough bone density, then having an implant will not be a problem. Your implant needs plenty of bone to fuse to so we first assess the health of your jaw. If there has been any loss of bone tissue, we can use a bone graft to encourage the tissue to replenish.
Dental implant treatment shouldn’t hurt. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the affected area during surgery, and any discomfort post-surgery and during the healing process can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. If you are feeling particularly nervous or worried about the surgery, sedation may well be possible. Overall, many patients find implant treatment is less painful than a tooth extraction.
The actual fitting of your dental implant is a relatively quick surgical procedure, taking around 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how many implants you are having and your individual case. After it has been fitted, your implant needs around 3-6 months to heal and fuse to your jawbone before your new replacement teeth can be fitted.
Teeth implants have the potential to last for the rest of your life, providing they are properly looked after and treated with care. We advise you to keep up with a great brushing and flossing routine at home, look after your general health and visit your dentist for regular check ups. The fixed crown or bridge that the implant supports may need to be replaced over time due to natural wear and tear.
Dental implants are an excellent replacement for missing teeth, as they look, feel and function exactly as natural teeth do. As such, the implant provides a very strong foundation and will not move or slip. When combined with the natural looking replacement tooth on top, which we can match to the shape and colour of your existing teeth, other people will not be able to tell you have an implant.
Just like with natural teeth, implants will last longer if you keep up with a regular and thorough cleaning routine. While the replacement teeth are resistant to bacteria, the supporting gum tissue and bone are not. Keeping your mouth clear of bacteria will make sure your implants last just as long as your natural teeth.
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