What is A dental implant?
Dental implant is a contemporary approach used to restore the lost tooth roots. It is the most long-lasting solution when a patient needs to replace one tooth, several teeth or an entire toothless jaw. Dental implants help to improve quality of life and enable you to feel happy and confident again.
Implants are generally suitable for most people, no matter your age, the condition of your teeth or the number of implants you require.
At Welham Green Dental, we offer single tooth implants to replace a single missing tooth or to replace several missing teeth in odd places.
Single tooth dental implants
A dental implant is an artificial prosthesis used to replace a missing tooth in the lower or upper jaw. Most single dental implants are made of surgical grade titanium – a biocompatible metal that can fuse with the bone – that, once implanted in the jawbone, serves as the new anchor for the replacement tooth or crown.
While dental implants may be more costly than other kinds of tooth restoration or replacement, their benefits are numerous. Patients who have lost a single tooth or several teeth due to sport injuries or periodontal disease may be excellent candidates for this type of cosmetic dentistry.
Multiple Dental implants
There are many reasons why multiple implants are a worthwhile investment:
- Unlike dental bridges, implants last a lifetime and have very minimal (if any) ongoing costs associated with them.
- Unlike dentures, implants do not move around, interfere with talking, cause soreness, or alter sense of taste.
- Implants help protect the jawbone over time by tricking the body into thinking you still have teeth.
- Dental implants look better cosmetically and improve self-esteem.
Implant-supported dental bridge or denture
As the name implies, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position.
An implant-supported bridge is far superior to removable partials or a fixed bridge supported by multiple teeth. Your face structure will be kept intact and adjacent teeth will be preserved. Patients with implant-supported bridge implants love that they can eat all their favourite foods again. You won’t need to worry about adhesives or cleaning solutions, either. Our multiple teeth implants look, feel, and function just like regular teeth.
Advantages of implants for tooth replacement
- More comfortable and secure than dentures
- They are permanent, as they fuse with your bone
- Dental implants will never shift or move out of place
- Look and feel more like your natural teeth
- Easier to clean compared to bridges
- Help maintain jawbone integrity
- Less invasive than a tooth-fixed bridge
- Help prevent bone deterioration associated with missing teeth
- Preserves adjacent teeth
- Single tooth dental implants will never decay
Straumann - Implant-borne single-tooth treatment
Straumann - Removable denture with retentive attachment system
Dental Implants
Implant Procedure
The First Phase
The first phase of the tooth implant procedure, after a detailed consultation and the provision of a treatment plan is the implant placement which usually takes just 1 visit. The implant then remains covered for 3 – 6 months during which time it osseointegrates into the jawbone. You can be provided with a temporary denture which you will be able to wear after implant placement. You will need to follow a soft diet for at least 2 weeks.
The Second Phase
When the implant has integrated successfully into the mouth, then a healing cap will be added to the implant fixture. Any modifications required to your temporary dentures will be undertaken to allow you continue to wear it before your new tooth is placed.
The Third Phase
The final phase usually starts approximately 2 – 6 weeks after the second phase. During this phase, your new teeth crowns are created, fitted and tried in the mouth to make sure they fit comfortably and match your regular teeth colour. This phase can last up to 4 to 8 weeks, after which you will have your brand new smile!
Our Service with a Smile
We have a wide selection of affordable private and NHS treatments at Welham Green Dental that ensures you have the very best support at a pace to suit you.
