What is a dental implant?
A dental implant can be a long-term treatment solution for a missing tooth. It is natural-looking and functions just like a normal tooth.
The implant includes a titanium screw placed into your jawbone that acts as the artificial tooth root. Once this has healed and fused with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration, the false tooth is then attached to the top of the implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Natural appearance – dental implants look, feel and function like real teeth.
Long-lasting – with proper care, implants can last for many years. As the teeth aren’t real, they aren’t susceptible to decay but you can still get gum disease so it’s vital to keep on top of your oral health.
It will help to support your healthy teeth – your natural teeth either side of a missing tooth gap can shift and misalign if there’s nothing to support them on both sides. This can cause problems with bone density, eating and even speech. A dental implant will provide a solid foundation to support your other teeth.
Enhanced confidence – your smile will look fantastic!
What happens at your consultation appointment?
Your consultation appointment is an opportunity for you and your dentist to discuss all the treatment options available and check whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant.
They will also check the condition of your general oral health. For long-term success, a dental implant needs to be placed into a healthy oral environment. Your dentist might suggest some appointments with a hygienist to improve this, if necessary, prior to treatment.
You’ll also have a CBCT scan (a 3D x-ray) to assess the bone quality of your jaw and allow your dentist to plan the placement of the implant.
How long does the treatment take to complete?
Firstly, your dentist will need to surgically insert the titanium tooth root into your jawbone, using local anaesthesia and for a single implant, will take approximately one hour.
Your implant will then need approximately three months to fuse into the jawbone and become strong enough to hold the new tooth.
Your dentist will then take impressions so that the dental laboratory can construct your tooth and then once that’s ready it’ll be fitted!
In total, you would expect the treatment for a single implant to take approximately 4-5 month from start to finish.
How long does it take to recover from the treatment?
Not long at all! Placing the titanium nerve root into the bone is very precise and takes just a little bit of drilling but after a day or two, the soreness following treatment should disappear.
How do you look after your dental implant?
It’s imperative to look after your oral health to maximise the longevity of your dental implant.
Remember to brush your teeth, twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
Use interdental brushes to clean around the dental implant to prevent bacteria build up and gum disease.
Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly to check the health of your implant and general oral hygiene.
Avoid smoking, as this can increase the risk of implant failure.
How much does it cost?
For information on fees, please click here.
How do I arrange a consultation for a dental implant?
For registered patients, please phone the practice on 01205 352892 for further information.
The Private Dental Centre is also currently inviting the registration of new patients. Please phone our team on 01205 352892.