Dental implants are a revolution in dentistry and are the perfect solution to replace missing teeth. When teeth are lost, the consequences can be more than cosmetic. There is often a loss of function, possible re-arrangement of the mouth and there can be a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem.
Whether you’ve lost one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, dental implant treatment may offer a solution for you. We can use dental implants to provide stable and supported replacements for life. Implants allow you to regain the look, feel and function of natural teeth, without the worry that your restoration will slip or fail.
A missing tooth can significantly affect the way you eat, speak, and feel. A gap can cause your facial shape to lose structure, as your gum can shrink and remaining teeth move over time. Dental implants not only restore your smile, but they can also greatly improve your quality of life and self-confidence. You no longer need to worry about avoiding certain foods and can feel happy about showing off your smile again.
Most people are a suitable candidate for dental implants, provided they are generally healthy and able to undergo a routine dental procedure, such as an extraction. It’s beneficial if you have good oral hygiene, healthy gums, and enough bone in your jaw to attach the implant. If you don’t have enough bone density, this can often be rectified with a bone graft. Dental implants are not usually offered to younger patients whose jaws are still growing. It also helps if the patient is not a heavy smoker, this is because smoking can slow down the healing process. We will thoroughly discuss your overall suitability for implant treatment at your initial consultation and it’s likely you will be suitable for the treatment.
We use local anaesthetic during dental implant surgery to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. You won’t be able to feel a thing. After treatment, it is normal to experience some discomfort, and this can be managed with pain relief advised by your dentist. Implant treatment is often less painful than having a tooth extraction, and most patients are able to return to their usual routines the next day.
The whole process, from missing teeth to secure fixed replacements, can take several months. The implant surgery is a relatively quick procedure, but the implants themselves need around 3-6 months to heal and fuse before fixed permanent teeth can be placed. The treatment process will be longer if you need a bone graft or other procedure first, but your new smile will be more than worth it in the end.
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime if they are properly looked after. This includes maintaining an excellent brushing and flossing routine, looking after your general health and attending regular check-up appointments with your dentist. The crown or bridge that the implant supports may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear and tear.
No, dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth. We can match the shape and colour of your existing teeth when creating your final fixed crown or bridge, so it blends seamlessly into your smile.
If you have one or more missing teeth, you may also consider restoring your full smile with a bridge or denture. These alternatives are less expensive than an implant, but don’t have the same superior stability, aesthetics, and versatility. They are also not likely to last as long. We are happy to discuss all the options for replacing your missing teeth and find the best one for you.
You may actually find it easier! As your implants are fused to your jawbone and the replacement teeth securely supported, you shouldn’t have any trouble speaking and may find your speech becomes clearer once the gap in your teeth has been filled.
