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replacing teeth
dental Implants
what are dental implants?
An implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth, and is used to replace missing teeth. It consists of two parts; a titanium screw that is fixed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw, acting like the roots of a natural tooth, and a crown/bridge/denture.
An implant can be used as either a singular crown, or can act as part of a bridge / denture system, holding the entire structure firmly in place with just a few anchor points.
Modern implants have a very high success rate and are a fantastic way of achieving that perfect smile you have always wanted.
We work closely with the world’s leading brand Nobel Biocare and nationally-renowned dental implant surgeon Dr Amit Mistry, meaning we can assist you with the very best in implant care.
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Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment is widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth, offering a range of advantages over other dental restoration methods. Here are some key benefits:
Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. This makes them virtually indistinguishable from your existing teeth, ensuring a natural appearance.
Improved Oral Health: Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, which preserves more of your natural tooth structure. Implants also help prevent bone loss by stimulating bone growth, maintaining the integrity of your jawbone.
Enhanced Comfort and Stability: Implants are anchored securely in your jaw, eliminating the discomfort and instability associated with traditional false teeth or removable dentures. This stability also improves your ability to chew and speak, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods and communicate more clearly.
Durability and Reliability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They are built to withstand daily use and are less likely to need repairs or replacements compared to other restorative options.
Convenience: Unlike dentures, which must be removed for cleaning, dental implants are maintained just like your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. This makes them a more convenient and less intrusive option for tooth replacement.
What are All-On-Four Dental Implants?
All-on-four is an innovative design which eradicates the need for uncomfortable, ill-fitting, unnatural-looking removable dentures. The concept is truly brilliant, restoring a full smile with just 4 titanium implants. The implants are situated along the jaw in a way that enables an entire arch to be screwed into place, securely; comfortably; and entirely bespoke to your mouth’s natural shape.
Are Dental Implants Suitable for Everyone?
Dental implants are suitable for a wide range of people, but they’re not always ideal for everyone. They are most successful in patients who are in good general health and have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. Healthy gums are also crucial for implant success. While issues like significant bone loss or periodontal disease require prior treatment, many can still enjoy the benefits of implants after these conditions are addressed. Commitment to good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle enhances the longevity and effectiveness of dental implants, making them a great choice for those looking to improve their dental health and quality of life.
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
There are a few visits required for implant placement, consisting of initial titanium screw placement into the jaw, review appointment to ensure healing, and final placement of the crown/bridge.
After your initial consultation , where your dentist will have discussed your treatment and outcomes, a treatment plan should now be in place, outlining the method and pricing of the implant.
We want you to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during the dental implant procedure, so local anaesthetic will be available to ensure there is no pain/uncomfortableness. There is also an option for sedation for those with dental anxiety.
The first visit will be with Dr Amit Mistry, who will place the titanium screw into the jaw by an insertion into the gum and drilling a hole into the bone where your tooth once was. Once the screw is placed, stitches may be used to aid gum healing. This takes place at the dental practice.
A review visit with your dentist is arranged for a few weeks later to check for complete healing.
The final visit will be to have your new crown/bridge placed onto the implant by your dentist. It is designed to screw onto it, securely fitting into the mouth and perfectly aligning adjacent to your natural teeth. The bite and height can be easily adjusted if required.
dental Implant aftercare
It’s always important to closely follow post-care instructions to ensure a fast recovery and avoid any complications.
- If you have had local anaesthetic, it may take up to 4-6 hours for the effects to wear off. During this time, please ensure that you refrain from chewing your lip, inner cheek, tongue or soft tissues and drinking hot drinks to avoid unwittingly causing trauma to the area.
- Your mouth has been worked on, so there may naturally be a small amount of tenderness, bruising and sensitivity to the area for a couple of days. If there are still worsening symptoms of pain after 7 days, contact the practice for advice.
- You should be able to return to your normal routine within a day of treatment. Most people will be able to go back to work, but you should avoid anything too strenuous, such as intense exercise.
- You may experience some light bleeding which should ease over the first day or two. This is completely normal. You can try biting with some gentle pressure with a damp gauze over your implant. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, or gets worse, contact the practice for advice.
- Try to only eat soft foods for at least a week following the treatment
- Keep your mouth as clean as possible
- Take any antibiotics you’ve been prescribed
- Take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you need to ease any pain
- Do not eat hot food and drinks for the first 24 hours
- AVOID straws or sucking on anything, such as an e-cigarette
- Try to avoid touching your implant with your fingers or your tongue
- AVOID alcohol and smoking for at least two weeks, as these can slow down the healing process
- Do not wear any dentures that cover the affected area
dental Implant frequently asked questions
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant typically lasts 10-15 years before it may need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
Most patients report that the discomfort associated with a dental implant procedure is minimal. Local anaesthesia is used during the procedure to minimise pain, and most patients find the recovery period to be more comfortable than anticipated.
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the number of implants, the need for any preparatory procedures like a bone graft, and the geographic location of the dental practice. It’s best to consult with your dentist for a detailed estimate.
The entire process can take several months from start to finish. This includes the initial consultation, the implant placement, the healing period, and the placement of the crown. However, the exact timeline varies based on individual healing rates and any additional procedures that may be necessary.
Immediately following the implant surgery, you may be advised to eat soft foods. However, once healed, dental implants function like natural teeth, and there are no permanent dietary restrictions.
