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What are dental implants?

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

PUTTING THAT SMILE BACK ON YOUR FACE

We love dental implants; they are the nearest thing to having your own real teeth again if you have lost them. They are also far better for your dental and general health than dentures.

If you are considering having dental implants we’d recommend reading more about implants and how the procedure is undertaken;

Dental implants are artificial, biocompatible roots which support replacement teeth. They can be used to replace one tooth, several teeth or a full mouth. Before any surgery takes place your general health and oral health will be assessed to ensure that dental implants are the right solution for you. As soon as this is agreed we will then agree an individual treatment plan, discussing the entire process from start to finish.

Throughout the procedure we will make sure you are as comfortable as possible which is why treatment normally takes place under local anaesthetic. We have successfully treated many anxious patients who have no problem having their implants.

There are different methods for fixing implants which we will have discussed with you. There are immediate implants for new teeth straight away, those that carry individual teeth or bridges or dentures to replace multiple teeth – we can often perform this when you have been turned down elsewhere.

With the immediate implant procedure restorations are placed on the day the implants are placed into the jaw so you will leave with your new teeth. These are usually semi-permanent and will need replacing.

With the delayed implant procedure the first stage is the same but instead of fixing the false tooth immediately your jaw bone is allowed to heal which can take several months. Once this is complete you will have your new teeth fitted. The advantage of this is that we can be fussier about the final result and success rate.

If you have opted for this process we will have discussed the options of having temporary teeth throughout this healing period to hide any gaps.

If you are a smoker then you are at a greater risk of dental implant failure.