Dental implants are specially designed screws, which are implanted into the jaw and act like natural tooth roots. They are a permanent replacement for missing or damaged teeth and with routine care, dental implants have a high level of success. We can replace one or more teeth at the same time that they are removed, by inserting an implant into the empty extraction socket. The advantages of this technique for you are that:
Immediate placement is only possible if you are suitable, this decision will be made by the clinician at your initial consultation.
Replacing missing teeth has several advantages:
If one tooth is missing or needs to be extracted, then it can be replaced by a single implant. If a number of teeth are lost, more implants will be required. However, it is not always necessary to match the exact number of teeth being extracted. For example, it may be possible to fit three teeth on two implants. Eight implants are often all that are required to replace a full arch of teeth. This means that we can provide denture wearers with a much more comfortable, functional and convenient alternative.
Once implant bone attachment has been checked and confirmed, the new teeth can be made. They are made from tooth coloured porcelain producing a natural appearance, which is almost impossible to spot against natural teeth. A titanium post is connected to the implant and held in place with a small screw. The finished tooth is then glued onto the post with special type of dental cement.
To avoid damaging the bone and gum, the tooth is removed very gently, minimising the amount of pain after the procedure. Surprisingly, the discomfort experienced is typically no different to that felt following a normal tooth extraction. There is no need for stronger injections during the procedure as the same local anaesthetic used to numb the tooth for extraction is often sufficient.
A temporary restoration (crown, bridge or denture) will be placed while the implant heals. We allow six months for the bone to fuse around the implant and become solid in the jawbone. After six months, the Dental Surgeon begins to build the new crowns, bridges or dentures on the implants.
Before deciding on the best treatment option for you, it’s important that you attend the practice for a consultation. This provides our clinical team with the opportunity to provide you with all of the treatment options suitable for you. Please get in touch with our friendly front of house team to book an appointment by using the button below…
