Dental Implants

Implants – the permanent solution to missing teeth

If you have lost a tooth through decay, accident or injury, a dental implant could be the answer. Implants look, feel and work like the real thing and can be used to permanently replace a missing tooth, multiple teeth – or even an entire set.

An artificial root made from ultra-pure titanium takes the place of the original root and over time, this will bond with the jawbone. Once the new root has fully healed, which usually takes between three to six months, a replacement tooth is created to match your natural teeth and is fitted into place.

This technique was developed more than 40 years ago and it is a highly successful procedure, which remains the most effective and longest lasting solution available. People who have problems with loose dentures love the permanence of implants, which can also be used to fit bridges and dentures more securely as they are anchored to the bone.

Implants help save healthy teeth by eliminating the need to grind down tooth tissue, as required by traditional bridgework. They can also be used to improve your appearance because when teeth are lost the jawbone shrinks, causing signs of ageing.

Does it hurt?

Implants are placed very gently and the procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation if patients are very nervous. Some patients can feel a little sore for a day or so after this small operation while the healing process starts.

How long does it take?

Appointments are spread over several months and during this time gaps in the teeth are hidden with temporary dentures or bridges. Once the implant has been placed it is allowed to heal undisturbed before the crown, bridge or denture is attached. The timing of the healing process depends on the individual and can take from just a few weeks to up to nine months for more complex cases.

Is it expensive?

When compared to dentures and bridges the treatment can appear quite costly but when you consider the long term health of your mouth and your comfort, it is a very cost-effective option, which will last for life. Following a thorough consultation we will provide a detailed report and exact costs. Prices start from £2,400 for a single dental implant.

Dentures Over Implants

Wearing a denture can be a challenge. Eating talking and laughing can be painful and embarrassing due to movement of the denture especially in the lower jaw where the tongue is constantly pushing the denture out of place. This can also lead to a restricted diet and sometimes result in poor nutrition.

The gold standard solution to this common problem is an “Implant Over-denture”.  2-4 titanium implants are placed, most commonly in the lower jaw, and after a period of healing a denture is constructed with precision attachments that clip the denture on the implants very firmly. The result is a denture that is stable and retentive

Repeated studies have demonstrated that patients that have moved to implant over-dentures have improved speech, chewing efficiency, nutritional intake and a general improved quality of life when compared to their conventional dentures.

If you have recently had new dentures made, in certain situations, the denture can be converted to an implant denture.