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Services - Surgical Dentistry

Implant Dentistry

Missing teeth can not only make you feel self-conscious but can affect the way in which you eat and speak. Whilst other treatments such as bridges or dentures can be a solution, a dental implant can be the best clinical option to replace missing teeth.

We are committed to providing you the best treatment and most modern possible in a safe, state of the art practice.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium screw meant to replace a missing root of the tooth and is placed carefully and accurately in to your natural bone, on to which an artificial tooth, often made from porcelain, is then fixed. The implant and crown look and feel like a natural tooth, and unlike some of the alternatives that may need replacing after 10 – 15 years, a dental implant if properly looked after and maintained can last for a lot longer.

Over several months, your jawbone will fuse with the implant – this is called implant integration. Once the implant is settled withing the bone, dentures, crowns or bridges can be attached to it in order to replace your missing teeth.

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

Alternatives to dental implants include:

Implant Dentistry
Dental implant

What are the different types of dental implants?

There are a number of different types dental implants which may be used depending on your needs. These range from a single implant to hold one tooth, to multiple implants that hold a number of teeth, even full arches in some instances.

How long does treatment take?

Every patient’s needs are different and so treatment length will depend on the type of implant you are having, the health of your mouth, gums and bone. Our experienced Implant Surgeon and his team will keep you well informed before the treatment and every step of the way, and will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that will set out the time frames involved in your implant journey.

Preparing for dental implant surgery

Your dentist will explain how to prepare for your procedure.

You may need to have an X-ray or a CT scan so your dentist can check the thickness of your jawbone and the position of other structures in your mouth.

Implant surgery is usually done under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks pain from your mouth and you will stay awake during the procedure. You may have a sedative – this relieves anxiety and helps you to relax.

Your dentist will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, and any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure.

Dental implant

What happens during dental implant surgery?

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon will make a cut in your gum and then drill a small hole in your jawbone. The implant will fit into this hole.

If you need to have teeth removed before dental implant surgery, your dentist may be able to remove a tooth and put an implant straight into your tooth socket – this is called an immediate implant. However, usually your dentist will fit the implant after a few months, which is called delayed implant placement.

When can I have a crown?

A final crown made of zirconia or porcelain can only be made once the implant has fully integrated within the bone. This usually takes approximately 3 months.

In some cases, a temporary acrylic crown can be provided for cosmetic reasons and will take several days for the laboratory to make. This crown will need to be replaced with a final crown in 3 months.

What to expect afterwards?

You may need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have passed. After a local anaesthetic it may take several hours before the feeling comes back into your mouth. You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. You will usually be able to go home when you feel ready.

It is important to only eat soft foods for the rest of the day after having dental implant surgery. Try to keep your mouth clean by brushing but don’t directly brush the implant site. Your dentist may advise you to use a chlorhexidine mouthwash every day during the first week after your operation.

Recovering from dental implant surgery

If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of your implant getting infected.

The time it takes to make a full recovery from dental implant surgery will vary depending on your treatment plan, so it is important to follow your dentist’s advice.

Once you have recovered, your implants and replacement teeth should function as natural teeth do in terms of eating.

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    How long does treatment take?

    Every patient’s needs are different and so treatment length will depend on the type of implant you are having, the health of your mouth, gums and bone. Our experienced Implant Surgeon and his team will keep you well informed before the treatment and every step of the way, and will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that will set out the time frames involved in your implant journey.

    Preparing for dental implant surgery

    Your dentist will explain how to prepare for your procedure.

    You may need to have an X-ray or a CT scan so your dentist can check the thickness of your jawbone and the position of other structures in your mouth.

    Implant surgery is usually done under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks pain from your mouth and you will stay awake during the procedure. You may have a sedative – this relieves anxiety and helps you to relax.

    Your dentist will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, and any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure.

    What happens during dental implant surgery?

    Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon will make a cut in your gum and then drill a small hole in your jawbone. The implant will fit into this hole.

    If you need to have teeth removed before dental implant surgery, your dentist may be able to remove a tooth and put an implant straight into your tooth socket – this is called an immediate implant. However, usually your dentist will fit the implant after a few months, which is called delayed implant placement.

    When can I have a crown?

    A final crown made of zirconia or porcelain can only be made once the implant has fully integrated within the bone. This usually takes approximately 3 months.

    In some cases, a temporary acrylic crown can be provided for cosmetic reasons and will take several days for the laboratory to make. This crown will need to be replaced with a final crown in 3 months.

    What to expect afterwards?

    You may need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have passed. After a local anaesthetic it may take several hours before the feeling comes back into your mouth. You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. You will usually be able to go home when you feel ready.

    It is important to only eat soft foods for the rest of the day after having dental implant surgery. Try to keep your mouth clean by brushing but don’t directly brush the implant site. Your dentist may advise you to use a chlorhexidine mouthwash every day during the first week after your operation.

    Recovering from dental implant surgery

    You may need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have passed. After a local anaesthetic it may take several hours before the feeling comes back into your mouth. You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. You will usually be able to go home when you feel ready.

    It is important to only eat soft foods for the rest of the day after having dental implant surgery. Try to keep your mouth clean by brushing but don’t directly brush the implant site. Your dentist may advise you to use a chlorhexidine mouthwash every day during the first week after your operation.