Dental implants are an advanced and effective solution to the problem of missing teeth.
Before dental implants the only treatment options were dentures and bridges, which were either loose, ill-fitting or required invasive treatment to prepare the surrounding teeth.
With dental implants not only is the visible portion of the tooth replaced but also the tooth root, which means extra stability and improved functionality. A dental implant wearer can eat what they like, without worrying that their replacement tooth or teeth are going to fall out.
A dental implant is a small titanium post which is secured into the patient's jawbone to replace the missing root of a tooth. The procedure to fit an implant is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will experience no pain. It involves using a dental drill to place the implant and then stitching the gum back over the implant area. Once this has been done the implant will be left to integrate with the bone.
When the gums and the bone are healed your new restoration can be fitted, with a number of options available:
The treatment to fit the implant itself doesn't take too long, but afterwards you must allow the implant and bone to fuse together. This is to ensure that you have a strong foundation for your new dental restoration. This process usually takes between 3-6 months, and to aid the healing process it is recommended that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Eating healthily and not smoking are also vital.
Once your bone has fully fused with the implant an abutment will be fitted, which will then be used to attach a crown, denture or bridge.
Dental implants have transformed restorative dentistry. They have many benefits that other replacement treatments cannot match. These include:
Patients who are in good oral health, maintain dental hygiene, do not smoke and have the required bone density are excellent candidates for dental implants. We will thoroughly examine your mouth when you visit the practice to ensure results are achievable.
We use the very best materials for both our implants and restorations, in order to ensure our patients' smiles are healthy, beautiful and long lasting.