Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

An implant is an artificial tooth root screw which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It is used to hold a fake tooth or series of teeth in place. In this way, dental implants function in a similar way to a natural tooth root.

Many people use the term ‘implant’ to mean the entire replacement tooth, but it actually only refers to the part inserted into the bone.

Teeth implants may be used in cases where the patient has had an accident or medical condition which has caused them to lose one or more of their teeth.

The result is artificial teeth which look, feel and function just like natural teeth.

Who can have teeth implants?

In order to be a good candidate for a dental implant, the patient should have strong, healthy gums and a jawbone that is capable of supporting the new root.

A successful implant requires healthy gums and bone. Patients who have underlying oral health problems like gingivitis or who have experienced bone loss due to a tooth abscess may not be suitable for dental implant surgery.

However, in many cases it’s possible to carry out a bone graft to strengthen the jawbone before dental implants are inserted.

One alternative for patients who can’t have conventional implants is mini dental implants. These are similar in structure to their larger counterparts, but have a thinner root about the width of a toothpick. This means that less bone is needed to hold them in place.

If you have been told you can’t have implants because you have suffered jawbone loss or your bone density is too low, mini implants may still be an option. An added benefit is they can usually be fitted in a single visit – no need to wait 3-6 months for the implant to settle.

Mini implants generally cost much less than regular ones, but they do have certain drawbacks.

Full mouth dental implants

Patients who have lost all their teeth may also consider full mouth implants. Unlike implant-retained dentures, these are permanently fixed in place. Many people prefer the idea of having fixed teeth rather than ones they have to remove for cleaning.

All-on-4 requires fewer implants

It’s usually not necessary to insert an individual root for each tooth, since a single implant root is strong enough to support several teeth if it’s placed well.

Solutions such as All-on-4 implants allow a full set of teeth to be placed using just four implants for the lower jaw. The upper jaw requires six, since the bone density is lower. The implants are angled at 30 or 45 degrees to give them a stronger hold. This is a cheaper option than traditional implant technology which would require 8-10 implants in each jaw. Note that this type of tooth implant is only available in titanium, since zirconia implants can’t be placed at such a sharp angle.

An added benefit of All-on-4 implants is the entire surgery is usually completed within a day, so you won’t need to make as many visits to the dentist. This is what gives them the nickname “teeth in a day”.

Implant Treatment Process

1. Consult & Measure

In your first consultation we will discuss the options to achieve your personal smile goal.

Examine

Assessment of your current oral heath and the best choice of treatment.

Scan & Measure

Pain free 3D scan where required to create a digital image of what your teeth could look like if you take up treatment.

Plan

Finishing up your consultation we will create a personalised treatment plan. Detailing estimated costs, stages and aftercare of treatment. This allows for you to make an informed decision on what is right for you and your smile.

2. Treat & Correct

Consent forms are provided, full of all the information you need ahead of treatment.

Anaesthetic

We offer local anaesthetic before you treatment to eradicate pain during the implant placement.

Placement

After the area is numbed, the implant will be placed. The time this takes depends on each individual case, the complexity and how many implants you are having.

Fitting

Fitting of the crown is typically 3 and a half months after placement. Timescales may vary depending on an individuals healing time.

3. Care & Maintain

A few weeks after placement we will get you back into the clinic to review your new implant. Making any adjustments required.

Aftercare

Your new implant may need minor adjustments so they work best for you. We assess this a few weeks after they have been fitted.

Maintenance

Our clinicians will provide you with instructions on how best to look after your implant. We also get each patient to return every 6 months to check the implant.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Who can have teeth implants?

Full mouth dental implants

Implant Treatment Process

Book your FREE assessment

Links

Policies

Opening Hours

Contact