Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are the most permanent solution to tooth loss in dentistry. When teeth are lost to gum disease or tooth decay it can lead to further problems with eating, functionality and aesthetic problems. Dental implants are an excellent alternative and offers a perfect replacement.
Implants are a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jaw bone which acts as a tooth root and then a crown or a bridge is placed on top (above gum level) which aims to replicate the function and aesthetic appearance of a tooth. Titanium is a safe substance in which the gum tissue easily fuses to, to create a good anchor for the crown or bridge. If well looked after an implant usually lasts 15 years or more making it the ultimate tooth replacement.
Duration
2 hours
Appointments
3
Anaesthetic
Yes
+ What are the Benefits?
- Providing the next best solution for tooth loss by providing the most permanent replacement
- Keeps bone strong and provides function so that the health of other teeth are preserved
- Prevents you from using ill fitting or loose dentures which in turn gives a confidence boost and improves the aesthetc appearance of your teeth
+ What are the disadvantages?
- Lengthy procedure that uses anaestethic
- Considered the more costly option of tooth replacement
- Not everyone is suitable for implants (this is easily checked at your consultation appointment)
+ What is the Process?
You will be required to have a consultation to see if you meet the requirements for having an implant and to check the general health of all your teeth. This will involve xrays and a CT scan to check that you have enough bone structure for he implant to be successful (sometimes a bone graft may be needed but this is a simple additive to the treatment).
We will then book you in for the treatment and on this appointment local anaesthetic will be administered. The implant is placed into the jaw bone and soft sutures will be used to close the gum. You will then require 12 weeks of healing to ensure the implant is succesful and fuses with your natural bone.
Once the sufficient amount of healing has taken place a crown or bridge can be placed on top. It is possible to have a temporary crown during the healing process but this will be discussed at your consulation appointment.
We like to have follow up review appointment following treament to make sure you and your dentist are completely happy with the treatment outcome.
