Dental implants are replacements for worn, decaying, painful and missing teeth. The implant is a titanium screw that is inserted through the gum, anchoring into your jaw bone. An abutment is inserted into the implant. The abutment protrudes out of the gum and provides an attachment point for a wide range of crowns, implant bridges and overdentures. Single implants use individual crowns to replace specific teeth. Dental implant bridges and overdentures do not need an implant for each tooth being replaced. Instead these can be secured on a smaller number of implants meaning less surgery for the same result. For example a full arch of teeth can be secured on just 4 implants. This is commonly called all-on-4 dental implants.

There are many types of dental implants suited for a wide range of circumstances.Single Tooth Implant: Ideal for people who want to replace a single tooth or have a tooth missing. Dental Implant Bridge: Ideal for people who want to replace several adjacent teeth or who have a gap spanning 2 or more teeth.Full Mouth Dental Implants: Ideal for people who want to replace a full set of upper and/or lower teeth. This is also called whole mouth dental implants, smile in a day, teeth jn a day, all on 4 dental implants or overdentures.

The main difference between dental implants and dentures is that implants can not be removed and are permanently fixed in your mouth. Implants have many benefits over dentures:Implants don’t move. This makes implants more comfortable compared to dentures. It also means you can eat what you like without restriction.Implants are easy to maintain. Brush your implants as you would your normal teeth. Follow the extra steps as outlined by your dentist.Implants don’t affect your jawline. Having teeth removed without implants can cause changes to your jawline. This can potentially make you look older.

Dental implants offer many advantages compared to dental bridges. Dental bridges are not as discreet as implants. As a result, people may be able to see the structure of your bridge when you smile.Fitting dental bridges may mean permanently altering nearby teeth. This can cause bridges to be a painful choice.Without an implant your gum can lean inwards potentially giving you a puckered faceDental bridges can wear down quickly resulting in more treatments

Dental implants are a great choice for most people however not everyone is suitable for this treatment. You may not be able to have dental implants if you…Radiotherapy in or around your jawHave diabetesSmoke, use chewing tobacco or vapeDrink heavilyTake recreational drugsHave gum diseasePlease be honest when visiting your dentist for an assessment to make sure the right treatment is recommended to you.

1. The dental implant procedure starts with the removal of your teeth (if required).

2. An incision is made into your gum and the titanium implant screwed into your jaw bone

3. An abutment is screwed into the implant. This protrudes above your gumline. If you’re having a single implant a crown is secured to the abutmentIf you’re having an implant bridge or overdenture multiple implants and abutments will be used.

4. You will then be fitted with a temporary bridge or overdenture while your permanent replacement is made.

5. This entire process takes less than a day

6. Your gum is left for several months to heal

7. Your new teeth are fitted and adjustments madeYour final teeth are fitted

The process of getting dental implants is simple.

1. Consultation: we will discuss your requirements and assess your teeth and jaw to ensure you are suitable for treatment. If gum disease or bone loss has occurred additional treatments may be required before dental implants can be fitted

2. Surgery: Your implants, abutments and crowns/temporary bridges or overdentures will be fitted

3. Recovery: Your gums will heal over the next few months

4. Adjustment: Your final bridge/overdenture will be fitted and adjustments made

5. Final fitting: Your new permanent bridge/overdenture will be fitted giving you a beautiful straight white smile

During your dental implant surgery the use of local anaesthetic or sedation means you will feel minimal pain.After your dental implant surgery your gums will need to heal. This can take several weeks and can be painful. Speak to your dentist about post operation pain relief which can include low cost over the counter pain medication.

With proper care dental implants can easily last 10-20 years without issue. Like natural teeth they’re not indestructible with the most common issue being dagame to the crowns. Your dentist can easily replace damaged crowns further prolonging the life span of your implants.

Unlike with crowns or bridges, the neighbouring teeth are not affected when an implant is prepared for and fitted. The metal implant is placed into the space where the new tooth is going to be without impacting the surrounding teeth.

In order to fit you with dental implants, we will first x-ray your mouth and assess the strength of the bone which is to support the implant. In some cases, a bone graft may be needed to supplement the existing bone. A small incision is made into the jawbone and a hole is drilled into which the metal screw is fitted.

This is then left for around 3-6 months to heal so that the implant can fuse with the bone. During this time, you will be fitted with a temporary artificial tooth. Once we are satisfied that the healing and fusion are complete, the temporary tooth is replaced with a permanent implant.

✓ Permanent solution to missing teeth

✓ Regain quality of life

✓ Provide essential support and structure for your face and can literally take years off your appearance

✓ Allow you to enjoy eating food again without pain