Despite improvements in dental care, millions of patients suffer tooth loss – mostly due to tooth decay, periodontitis (gum disease), or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for these patients with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Today, advanced techniques make dental implants a secure, aesthetic and truly modern choice.
Implants are used to replace the roots of missing teeth.They provide a strong foundation, using titanium posts placed into the jawbone to provide support for a crown or bridge. Titanium is very well tolerated by the body, and fuses to the surrounding bone in the jaw over time, becoming solid and durable.
Implant treatment can be lengthy, involving several appointments. It is all worthwhile when you see the end result and have achieved a stunning smile.
Step 1: Initial Consultation – During a full examination and assessment, we ensure you are a suitable implant candidate. Your treatment plan is devised and discussed in detail, including an estimated cost and timeframe.
Step 2: Planning – Using state-of-the-art digital scans and images, we precisely and accurately plan the best positions for your dental implants. Any preparatory treatment needed, such as bone grafts or extractions, is carried out.
Step 3: Fitting – The titanium implant is placed into your jawbone by our skilled implantologist, using local anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort. The implant will take 3-6 months to heal and fuse to the bone, so a temporary tooth is fitted to protect your gum during the healing process.
Step 4: Smile! – Once your implant has fully healed and integrated, we fit your final crown or bridge and complete your brand new smile. We will give you some advice on how to look after your dental implant and leave you to start showing off your smile!
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, they can greatly improve your quality of life and self-confidence. You no longer have to worry about avoiding certain foods and can feel happy about smiling with pride again.
Dental bridges and dentures are less expensive alternatives to implants, but have none of the superior stability, aesthetics and versatility. They are also not likely to last as long. The other alternative is to leave the gap, but this can have a negative effect on the positions of your remaining teeth and your facial structure.
