Restoring a smile with the next best thing to natural teeth.
Dental implants use titanium posts placed in the jaw to support a replacement tooth or a bridge when replacing multiple missing teeth. Implants act just like tooth roots and fuse to the jawbone, becoming a very long lasting replacement.
Can I have an implant?
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. In some cases of severe gum disease, it’s necessary for us to replenish lost bone to help the structure and health of your jaw.
What does the treatment involve?
It takes several appointments to have your implant placed, beginning with an initial consultation. We will discuss your treatment plan in detail and give you the chance to ask any questions.
We will examine your teeth and take x-rays and scans to get a clear picture of your jaw, check you have enough bone density and plan the best place to insert the implant. For a single missing tooth, the implant will be placed where the tooth root used to be.
At the fitting appointment, we always ensure you are comfortable and relaxed before surgically placing the titanium posts into your jawbone. We will fit a temporary crown or bridge to protect the area while the implant fuses and heals, a process that takes a few months.
Once your implant has healed, we will take impressions so your new crown or bridge can be created. Your new restoration will be made from tooth-coloured porcelain and seamlessly blend into your natural teeth. Once your crown or bridge has been created, we will fit it into place using a strong dental adhesive, and your new full smile is complete!
Looking after your implants
Just like with your natural teeth, your 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.
Please visit our blog for more information about dental implants.
