Dental Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth or are frustrated with your ill-fitting dentures then dental implants could provide a safe, permanent solution. A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth offering a natural and comfortable replacement.

What does treatment involve?

A dental implant is a tough titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone, as a replacement root, and left to heal. After a few months, and when this screw has fully bonded with the bone to form a solid base, a natural looking porcelain crown (or bridge) is placed on top.

What are the benefits?

Your self-esteem can be greatly affected by a missing tooth and dental implants can significantly help to improve self-confidence by helping you smile freely again.
No more dentures moving uncomfortably around your mouth because implants replicate natural teeth and stay firmly in place.
Dental implants help to protect the jawbone from shrinking and prevent other teeth from moving around.
They stop food getting stuck in gaps reducing the risk of gum disease.
They can help to improve speech, as well as any problems you may have when eating and chewing particular foods.

Dental Implant FAQs

How long does treatment take?

The insertion of implants is relatively straight forward and usually only takes around 15 minutes, but the implants will then require some time to integrate with the jaw bone. This can take between 3 and 6 months depending on where they have been fitted.

Temporary restoration and full dentures can be worn throughout the recovery process until the final crown can be fitted.

How long will they last?

If you pay attention to your oral health and attend regular check-ups there is no reason why the implants shouldn’t last for 15 years or more.

Is it painful?

Implants usually take place under a local anaesthetic so the procedure should be pain free, although you may experience some discomfort for a week or two afterwards. If you are particularly nervous or your case is more complex, then we may consider using a sedative.

Can everyone have dental implants?

Healthy gums and the quality of your jawbone are the main considerations when deciding if you are a suitable candidate. A bone graft may be an option for patients with inadequate bone volume but this would add to the treatment time as it would need to heal before an implant could be placed.

Good general health is important and patients with diabetes or who are heavy smokers have a greater risk of developing gum disease or infections following implant surgery.