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Dental Implants

Despite improvements in dental care, millions of patients suffer tooth loss – mostly due to tooth decay, periodontitis (gum disease), or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for these patients with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Today, advanced techniques make dental implants a secure, aesthetic and truly modern choice.

Implants are used to replace the roots of missing teeth.They provide a strong foundation, using titanium posts placed into the jawbone to provide support for a crown or bridge. Titanium is very well tolerated by the body, and fuses to the surrounding bone in the jaw over time, becoming solid and durable.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF IMPLANTS?

  • Improves appearance, speech, eating and comfort
  • Boosts confidence to smile without worrying about ill-fitting dentures slipping or moving
  • Very durable, with the potential to last a lifetime
  • Permanently fixed to your jaw, making them appear and feel like natural teeth

WHAT DOES THE IMPLANT TREATMENT PROCESS INVOLVE?

Implant treatment can be lengthy, involving several appointments. It is all worthwhile when you see the end result and have achieved a stunning smile.

Step 1: Initial Consultation – During a full examination and assessment, we ensure you are a suitable implant candidate. Your treatment plan is devised and discussed in detail, including an estimated cost and timeframe.

Step 2: Planning – Using state-of-the-art digital scans and images, we precisely and accurately plan the best positions for your dental implants. Any preparatory treatment needed, such as bone grafts or extractions, is carried out.

Step 3: Fitting – The titanium implant is placed into your jawbone by our skilled implantologist, using local anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort. The implant will take 3-6 months to heal and fuse to the bone, so a temporary tooth is fitted to protect your gum during the healing process.

Step 4: Smile! – Once your implant has fully healed and integrated, we fit your final crown or bridge and complete your brand new smile. We will give you some advice on how to look after your dental implant and leave you to start showing off your smile!

WHY DO I NEED AN IMPLANT?

A missing tooth can significantly affect the way you eat, speak and feel. A gap can cause your facial shape to lose structure, as your gum can shrink and remaining teeth move over time. Dental implants not only restore your smile, they can greatly improve your quality of life and self-confidence. You no longer have to worry about avoiding certain foods and can feel happy about smiling with pride again.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental bridges and dentures are less expensive alternatives to implants, but have none of the superior stability, aesthetics and versatility. They are also not likely to last as long. The other alternative is to leave the gap, but this can have a negative effect on the positions of your remaining teeth and your facial structure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How successful are dental implants?
Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw they are placed. However, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime without issue.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime if they are properly looked after. This includes maintaining an excellent brushing and flossing routine, looking after your general health and attending regular check up appointments with your dentist. The crown or bridge that the implant supports may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear and tear.
Is dental implant treatment painful?
We use local anaesthetic during dental implant surgery to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. You won’t be able to feel a thing. After treatment, it is normal to experience some discomfort, and this can be managed with pain relief advised by your dentist. Implant treatment is often less painful than having a tooth extraction, and most patients are able to return to their usual routines the next day.
How do I clean my dental implants?
You should treat your dental implants just like natural teeth, and include them in your normal oral hygiene routine. As they are made from artificial materials, your implants are invulnerable to decay or cavities, but you will still need to brush and floss to keep the gum surrounding the implant healthy and problem-free.
Will other people be able to tell I have dental implants?
No, dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth. We can match the shape and colour of your existing teeth when creating your final fixed crown or bridge so it blends seamlessly into your smile.