Missing Teeth » Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
At North House Dental Practice, we pride ourselves on the safe, experienced and comfortable delivery of Nobel Biocare implants. These implants are built on 65 years of research and innovation. Our patients trust our techniques and experience, and often recommend us to friends and family.
Dental Implants have quickly become the treatment of choice to replace one or more missing teeth. You may be reading this because you or someone you know has lost a tooth because of an accident or injury, tooth decay or gum disease. Whatever the reason, we know that loss of a tooth can make you self-conscious about your smile and affect your confidence.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which acts to replace the natural root of your missing tooth.
Missing teeth are not just replaced for aesthetic reasons. Losing a tooth means that the underlying bone starts to shrink, causing an aged appearance to the face. Adjacent teeth can also drift into the gap, causing problems with biting and chewing. Unlike dentures, implants act like the root of your natural tooth, integrating with the bone to prevent it from shrinking. In comparison to a denture which is a removable solution, implants are a fixed solution, they do not require adhesive, they do not move when chewing and do not require removal to clean.
In comparison to a bridge which is also a fixed solution, implants do not require drilling of adjacent teeth.
Benefits of implants
- Act and look like natural teeth
- Fixed into jaw
- No plastic adhesives required
- No movement on chewing
- No damage to adjacent teeth
- Treatment of choice to replace missing teeth
- Better chewing capacity
- Improved confidence
Who can have a dental implant?
Implants are most suitable for adults and not advised for children or adolescents. At your initial consultation with Dr Ram, your suitability will be assessed and if implants are not advised then other options will be available. We do not recommend implants for active smokers because the failure rates are considerably higher compared to non-smokers. The risks of smoking are clearly outlined in your consultation. If you feel comfortable after this discussion, then we are still happy to provide you with care.
Even if you have previously been told you are unsuitable for implants because of bone degeneration or if you have had missing teeth for some time, we may be able to help you. We can perform additional procedures such as bone augmentation, which helps to rebuild the bone and enable implants to be placed.
Procedure
- At your initial implant consultation, Dr Ram will carry out a detailed assessment and discussion, after which you will have a 3D scan and receive a personalised treatment plan.
- A dental implant is a small titanium screw which acts to replace the natural root of your missing tooth. This is placed in the jaw bone under local anaesthetic and usually takes approximately 90 minutes. In addition, you may choose to have this procedure under conscious sedation at the practice.
- The implant requires 3-5 months to heal. Healing is another term for Osseointegration, which simply means bone growing into and around the implant, securing it into the jaw bone.
- Following healing, an impression or scan is carried out to construct bespoke replacement teeth such as crowns, secured dentures or bridges which are attached to the implant itself.
- On your final appointment, the replacement tooth is fitted to your implant. This completes your treatment. You will be issued with aftercare instructions and advised to attend for your routine dental examinations and hygiene appointments to ensure that your new implant is maintained appropriately.
Is it painful?
Like any dental or surgical procedure, there can be some discomfort. Most patients tell us that the pain was less than anticipated. Usually there is some soreness. Swelling and bruising are also possible but are uncommon. Similar to a tooth extraction, we recommend a soft diet and we advise no strenuous activity and to relax for a few days following the procedure. We do provide a comprehensive patient pack with aftercare instructions and medications including painkillers which are very useful to manage the pain. You will also be able to contact the dentist at any time if you are concerned.
Costs
All implant procedures vary in complexity. A single implant starts from £3300 and any additional implants to this will be from £2850. All costs will be discussed with you and clearly outlined in your bespoke treatment plan. We are also able to offer interest free finance options.
Looking after your implant
As like your natural teeth, implants also need special care and attention. We advise maintaining routine examinations, hygiene and xrays to ensure your implant remains healthy. Lack of care can lead to failures such as infection, implant loosening and loss.
The first step….
Speak to us about restoring your smile and your quality of life. Call us on 01992 462022 to book a consultation with Dr Ram or book online for a bespoke treatment plan. We look forward to seeing you!
