Dental Implants
A dental implant is a replacement for the root(s) of a missing tooth. Similar in shape to a screw, they are surgically placed in your jawbone and form a strong base for supporting one or more artificial teeth called crowns. Most dental implants are made of titanium metal, which is a strong, lightweight and biocompatible metal. After placing the implant in the jawbone, it fuses with the bone in a process known as osseointegration. This fusion is the biological basis of dental implant success. The fusion also helps to preserve the jawbone’s density and shape.
Modern dental implants have been successfully used for more than 30 years and are the strongest form of tooth replacement. The new teeth look, feel and function naturally and usually last a lifetime when well cared for.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Feel and look natural
The implant fuses to the jawbone, in some way becoming part of you. The aesthetic crown is then anchored in place on the implant giving a natural feel to the implant. After a while, you might even forget you have implants
High success rate
The success rate of dental implants is dependent on several factors. When expertly place by an experienced dentist for the ideal candidate who looks after the implant, the success rate is excellent
Chewing food normally
Implants are strongly anchored to your bone which allows you to chew and enjoy foods like you have natural teeth. This is a major advantage over dentures, which often move about in your mouth when chewing, taking the joy our of eating
Nearby teeth unharmed
Implants are anchored to the jawbone and do not damage adjacent teeth. Bridges require destructive drilling of adjacent teeth for the anchorage of the bridge. With dentures, unless they are meticulously maintained, they can increase the risk of gum disease and decay in the teeth that the denture rests on.
Preserve jawbone
After tooth removal, there is a gradual loss of jawbone around the area where the tooth used to be. The bone-in jaw will diminish in areas where there is no pressure from biting. Over time, loss of jawbone in areas of missing teeth and also affect the overall facial appearance and contour. Dental implants are an effective solution to preventing such problems.
Have multiple uses
Whether you are replacing a single tooth, or are toothless with loose dentures that move about when you’re eating, dental implants can be the solution you desperately need. They can be used to anchor long bridges or implant-retained dentures.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Implants
Missing a single tooth
Losing a single tooth can be a difficult experience, especially if it’s at the front and was lost at no fault of your own. The loss of teeth can cause a loss of self-esteem and self-confidence. A dental implant can be the perfect solution to replacing a single missing tooth, giving you a result that feels and looks just like a natural tooth.
Missing multiple teeth
If you are missing multiple teeth, you could be wearing a partial denture.
Dentures can be a real burden and cause of embarrassment for patients, affecting normal activities like speaking and eating. This can have a real negative effect on your quality of life. Implants can be a viable option for replacing multiple missing teeth. Multiple teeth in a bridge can be anchored in with a few implants that are strongly anchored into your jawbone.
Missing all your teeth
Are your dentures uncomfortable and slipping around in your mouth? Are you having difficulty eating the foods you love because your dentures are not stable?
Dental implants could be an efficient and comfortable solution to a full mouth of stable teeth. Using state of the art CT scan technology, the Implantologist can map out the areas of your jawbone most suited to support the implants. These implants provide a stable and fixed based for the denture to clip on to.
Assessing suitability for Dental Implant
With all complex dental treatment, it is crucial to assess a patient’s suitability for a dental implant. So, the first step is to schedule a consultation visit with your implant dentist.
Several factors need to be carefully assessed to determine suitability for a dental implant. The patient will require healthy gums and an adequate amount of jawbone to support the implant.
It is important to take a thorough medical and dental history as certain conditions may make implants unsuitable. These include but are not limited to the following:
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Heavy smokers
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Uncontrolled diabetes and heart conditions
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History of radiotherapy in the head and neck area
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Hereditary bleeding disorder
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Poor oral hygiene
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Cancer
Dental Implants at Wandsworth Dental Centre
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Friendly and caring staff that prioritise your care and comfort
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Specialised equipment
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Experienced dentists with postgraduate degrees in Dental Implantology
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High Success rate for Dental Implants
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We use the highly reputable Swiss Astra Tech Implant system
Dental Implants Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed within your jaw bone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the dental implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing abutment. An impression is then taken. The replacement teeth are then made over the abutment or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months.