A dental implant is a small, precision-engineered screw which is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as an extremely strong artificial tooth root to support an ‘abutment’ (support collar) and a custom made crown to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. Implants are usually made from titanium or a mix of titanium with other metals which are bio-compatible and fuse readily with the natural jawbone, a process known as osseo-integration.
Implants are very versatile and one or more can be used to either replace a single lost tooth, multiple teeth or support a full fixed arch or denture.
Dental implants are usually the best solution for permanently replacing one or more teeth as they are designed to completely replace your old tooth - at both a root and crown level. The root of a dental implant called an abutment, and is made of a biocompatible metal known as 'titanium' - which is very strong and is accepted by your body like no other metal. The abutment is placed into the gum to form a secure foundation, whilst the top part of your dental implant is a ceramic crown that provides a natural-looking new tooth. Once your crown is fitted, no one will know you have a dental implant unless you tell them!
The good news is that most people are suitable to receive dental implants but unfortunately not all. Your dentist will establish your own suitability by checking for adequate jawbone and space between your teeth required for dental implants to be placed.
Replacing missing teeth with implants is not immediate and can take several months to complete through a number of stages. We begin with a thorough examination using the latest digital technology to visualise your jawbone in three dimensions. This technology provides a guide for the safe placement of your implants.
Tooth extraction – You may require a tooth or teeth to be extracted and your dentist will address this in the first phase of your treatment. We use a powerful local anaesthetic to numb the area and remove the tooth to make room for the implant. You may also request sedation if you are nervous of dental treatment.
Implant placement – on a case-by-case basis, some implants can be placed immediately after extraction. If not, we will wait until the extraction socket has healed before continuing with the treatment. At the appropriate time, we surgically place the implant into your jawbone under local anaesthetic and then cover it with gum tissue to allow healing to take place.
Fusion (osseo-integration) - the implant then needs to fuse fully with the natural jawbone, typically taking three to six months depending on the complexity of your particular treatment.
Crown placement – when the implant has fully healed, we expose it and add a support collar known as an abutment. This in turn supports the addition of a new dental crown, which has been matched to the colour and shape of your existing teeth.
While dental implants are an excellent option for many people, they aren’t suitable for everyone. We may delay or advise against this treatment if you have:
Implants have many benefits and are considered by many to be the “gold standard” for replacing missing teeth.
They support the integrity of the facial structure by preserving the jawbone and encouraging new bone production. Unlike dentures and bridges, they are the only tooth replacement option that helps keeps the jawbone from receding when a tooth has been lost.
Dental implants are widely acknowledged to improve self-confidence by enhancing your smile. Chewing and speaking are restored because the implants look, feel and function like normal teeth. You will be able to talk, smile and eat with confidence once more.
As placing an implant involves minor surgery, it is natural to experience some discomfort or swelling directly after treatment. However this should subside quickly and improve with healing.
An ice pack can help reduce discomfort and swelling and your usual over-the-counter pain medications can also help to manage any residual pain. In some cases we may prescribe an oral rinse or prescription antibiotics to help minimise the chance of any infection and to support healing post procedure.
Dental implants can last a very long time and 10 -15 years or more is typical. However, their longevity can vary depending on the original complexity of the case and quality of care after treatment is complete. They require the same care as your natural teeth with diligent brushing, flossing and regular check-ups with our team.
Implants start from around £2500, including the surgical placement and the crown fixture on top. Price may vary based on complexity and any additional treatment requirements such as imaging, temporary appliances, bone grafts and lab work.
Implants require the skills and experience of a suitably qualified dentist or specialist. First, you will be invited to attend for a full examination so we can assess whether an implant is suitable for you. A CBCT scan will allow us to pre-visualise all the teeth, roots, bone, infection, nerves and other important anatomical structures in detail so we are able to create a bespoke plan for you. Our clinician will then have enough information to proceed with a detailed implant consultation where he will discuss this plan and your scan in depth.
Find out how we can help you replace one, several or all of your missing teeth with Dental Implants - so that you can live, laugh and enjoy life with total confidence! For more information about Dental Implants at Acton Vale Dentists, and to find out how our friendly, highly experienced team can help you to smile with confidence, please get in touch to arrange an appointment by calling us on 020 8749 3267 or by completing our Online Appointment Request Form »
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