Dental Implants in Esher and Wandsworth

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root which is placed in your jawbone to act as the foundation for an artificial tooth, like a dental crown or dentures. 

Dental implants are metal screws which are placed within the jawbone to anchor the visible, artificial tooth. They are usually made of titanium due to its strength, relatively low cost and the fact that titanium does not affect the surrounding bone and gum as much as other metals. 

Once the dental implant is securely fixed within the jaw, the bone will naturally graft itself onto the metal implant, keeping it firmly fixed in place. 

When the dental implant is safely attached, your dentist will then secure a connecting material, known as the abutment, onto the metal screw. An abutment will then connect your new dental implant onto an artificial tooth, such as a dental crown. 

Together, the dental implant, abutment and artificial tooth will act, look and feel exactly like your natural teeth.

Assessment: Firstly, we will thoroughly assess the health of your existing teeth, gums and jawbone to determine whether dental implants are the right solution for you. We may need to take x-rays or digital scans of your mouth to see whether an alternative procedure would benefit you more. We are also looking at your jawbone to determine whether the bone there is strong enough to support a dental implant.

If not, we may need to find another alternative, or we may need to perform a bone grafting procedure, where we add new bone (this can be natural or artificial bone material) to the jawline to provide more support. Your dentist will discuss your options in detail before, during and after the assessment phase. 

Preparing the jawbone: If we do need to provide more support to your jawbone, we may recommend performing a bone graft. During a bone graft, we will either take existing, natural bone from another part of your body (usually from elsewhere in the jaw), or we will create a synthetic bone material. This material is then grafted onto your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure.

This procedure will only take a couple of hours and you will be sedated for it. By adding more bone to your jaw, we are creating a stronger and more stable foundation for your dental implant. If you only require a minor bone graft, we can perform this at the same time as the dental implant is placed. Otherwise, we may need to wait for the bone to heal between the two procedures. 

Securing your dental implant: Once the bone in your jaw is ready, we will begin the process of placing your new dental implant. You will be under anaesthetic for this procedure and will not feel any pain. During this surgery, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum where we intend to place the dental implant.

Once there is an opening in the gum, we will then drill a hole in the bone of your jaw. This hole will need to be rather deep to accommodate the titanium screw and to ensure the implant is secure and sturdy. The metal implant will then be screwed into place into your jawbone. 

Waiting for the bone to heal and integrate: Once the implant is secured into the jaw, we will then need to wait for the area to heal and for the bone to bond naturally with your new dental implant. This process of the bone grafting itself to the implant is known as osseointegration. During this time, which can take a few months, we cannot yet add the artificial tooth to the implant, so you may have a gap in your teeth. However, we can use temporary dentures to cover this gap – your dentist will discuss your options with you. 

Placing the abutment:  After the healing period, once your new implant has integrated fully with the surrounding bone, your dentist will fix the connecting screw (called the abutment) to your implant. The abutment is itself a smaller screw which is screwed into the implant. The abutment will then stick out above the gumline and form the foundation for your artificial tooth. 

Placing the new tooth: Once the dental implant is secured, the bone has grafted onto the metal and the abutment is ready, we can then add your new artificial tooth. This may be a dental crown, dentures or a dental bridge. We will craft your new tooth to be the same size, shape and colour as your natural teeth. By doing this, we can make sure your new tooth looks, feels and functions the same way as your natural teeth. 

Dental implants can be placed from start to finish at our Wandsworth dental practice or Esher dental practice , where you can have all your scans and appointments with one of our specialists.

Having a dental implant placed is performed over several stages, each taking a different amount of time and with its own healing process afterwards. It is important to understand that these are estimates and may vary depending on the severity of your case.

Assessment, 1 – 2 hours: The assessment will take place over the course of an hour or two, which will give us time to take x-rays of your teeth, gums and jaw and determine the best course of action for you. 

Preparing the jawbone: If you require a bone graft procedure, the length of time will depend on the kind of grafting procedure we use. If you only need a minor bone graft, we may be able to perform this at the same time that your dental implant is placed. However, if your jaw needs a bit more help, we will have to perform this well in advance of the dental implant procedure itself. The length of time between bone grafting and the dental implant will vary case by case, however, an average would be around 6 months beforehand. The graft itself will take, on average, around an hour to perform. 

Securing your dental implant: Placing the dental implant itself is a fairly simple procedure and can be performed by your dentist in 1 or 2 hours per implant. If you are only having one dental implant paced, we will be able to complete this in one visit. However, if you are having several implants placed then we may require more visits, depending on your availability and the severity of the case.

Waiting for the bone to heal and integrate: Once the implant procedure is completed we will need to wait for the area to heal and for the bones to graft naturally onto the metal implant. This process will vary depending on whether you require a bone graft, how many implants you have and your natural healing ability. On average, we wait from 3 to 6 months after the dental implant procedure before moving onto placing the abutment. However, this may take longer in some cases. Your dentist will explain how long you will need to wait and the proper oral hygiene and care routine you should follow. 

Placing the abutment: Once your dentist is satisfied that the area around your implant is properly healed, we will secure the abutment onto the implant. The procedure itself will only take 1 to 2 hours. However, there will be another healing period afterwards of around 2 to 4 weeks where we allow the gum around the implant to heal in preparation for your new artificial tooth. 

Placing the new tooth: Once your gums have healed adequately, we can finally complete the process by adding your new artificial tooth. We will create your new tooth in a dental laboratory. This process will vary in time depending on whether you are having a crown, bridge or dentures placed. It should only take us a few weeks to create and this may be completed during your healing phase. Once the gums and the new tooth (or teeth) are ready, it will only take us an hour or two to fix them to the abutment. Once it has been attached, the healing period should be relatively swift, from 1 to 3 weeks. 

Implants are required when a dead or damaged tooth (or teeth) is removed from the jaw, whether this is from decay, gum disease or even impact trauma. Although you can remove the tooth without it being replaced, this can lead to unsightly gaps in your smile.

Not replacing the damaged tooth can even exacerbate already existing dental health issues. For instance, patients can experience problems with eating and chewing, changes to speech and pronunciation, teeth moving out of alignment and increased strain on both the teeth remaining in the jaw and the gums that hold them.

The type of dental implant you require will depend on several factors, such as how many teeth you have had removed. These can range from simple implants which replace single teeth to ‘All-on-4’ implants, several implants which are used in conjunction to replace multiple missing teeth.

Dental implants are suitable for most adults. Many people associate having implants to being old and losing your teeth but that simply is not the case. As long as you have good general health and healthy gums, dental implants are very suitable for you. If you are under the age of 18 you are not suitable for dental implants because the underlying bones are still growing. 

Your dentist may not recommend dental implants if you: 

• Are a smoker
• Have diabetes that is not well controlled 
• Suffer from gum disease 

Each case is different which is why you have to tell your dentist about any medical problems you have and they will let you know if implants are a suitable option for you.

• Implants are preferred if you want to avoid causing any damage to your existing teeth
• Prevents bone loss
• Restores your bite
• Enables natural speech after treatment
• Matches the shape and colour of your natural teeth
• Prevents any changes in the shape of your face

Before having a dental implant procedure, we will talk you through each step of your treatment plan, as well as let you know anything you need to do to prepare. 

It is vital that you inform your dentist about any pre-existing medical conditions, concerns you have or medicine you are taking. This information may affect your treatment plan and the steps you need to take before, during and after a dental implant. 

Depending on the severity of your case, you may need to be under general anaesthetic for the procedure, otherwise you will be under local anaesthetic. If you are under general anaesthetic, you will most likely be asked to fast for 8 or so hours before your procedure, to minimise the risk of any complications. 

If you smoke, you will be asked to not smoke in the hours before your surgery, as this can increase the risk of infection. You will also be asked not to drink alcohol the day before (and of) the surgery, as this can also react with the anaesthetic and cause problems. 

You will need to let us know any medications you take (even if they are recreational) so that we can keep the risks of any problems as low as possible. 

We would also highly recommend you arrange transport to and from the practice on the day of your implant procedure. After being under general anaesthetic you should not drive and even being on public transport alone may be daunting for some. We would strongly suggest a friend or family member is available to pick you up after your dental implant surgery.

There are a few alternatives to having a dental implant. The reasons for having one of these alternatives to implants are varied and will depend on factors such as the health of your natural teeth, your gums and your jawbone. Your dentist will discuss the best options for you.

Dental implants provide an anchor for artificial teeth by securing a screw-like device into your jaw. However, there are other ways to secure false teeth.

Dental Bridges: Dental bridges can be used with a dental implant, however, they can also be used without the need for an implant. A bridge can be secured to your natural teeth, as long as they are themselves healthy and secure enough to do so. If not, a dental implant may be the best option for you. 

Dentures: Dentures can also be an alternative to a dental implant, and can be either full or partial – meaning they can either replace all or just some of your teeth. Dentures are removable and are held in place via adhesive or a clasping mechanism. Dentures can be a reasonable alternative to implants. However, implants offer a lot of advantages, such as their durability, longevity and the fact that they do not rely on your existing, natural teeth for support.

During the actual procedures you will be under local anaesthetic. This means that you should not feel any pain during any stage of the procedures themselves. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but pain should be absolutely minimal. However, you may feel some pain and discomfort during the healing phase. This pain should only last for around a week after the implant is fixed and you should be clear to go to work or school a few days (1 -3 days) after your procedure. If you do experience prolonged pain then let us know as soon as possible.

The cost of a dental implant procedure depends on several factors, the most obvious being how many implants you require. Implant treatment can seem expensive when compared to other dental treatments. However, these prices usually take into account work such as consultation, surgery, materials for (and construction of) the implant, crown, bridge etc.

It should be noted, though, that implants tend to be more cost effective than other treatments for missing teeth, as they are so long lasting that they greatly reduce the need for further dental work in the future. If multiple implants are needed, it may also be cheaper and more advisable to go with ‘All-on-4’ implants.

In some circumstances, you may need a bone graft before a dental implant can be placed in the jaw. A bone graft is a process whereby additional bone granules or blocks are grafted on to the existing jaw bone. Additional grafting material is often used to cover the bone graft to keep it secure and to help promote swift healing from the procedure.

If your jawbone will not adequately support a dental implant, you will most likely require a bone graft. The jawbone will not support an implant if it has become too thin or soft to secure it properly. This weakening of the bone can be down to several factors, such as severe gum disease or the natural ageing process.

The material used in the procedure vary, but are usually some form of synthetic bone substitute. Although your own natural bone can be used, synthetic alternatives are less invasive and have a very high success rate.

You will need to keep up with your regularly oral health care routine as advised by your dentist. As well as your usual health care routine, there are some areas around your implant that will require some extra attention. Both above and below the gum line around the implant will need to be cleaned very thoroughly twice a day in order to avoid any infection and to ensure the longevity and the success of your implant. 

As long as they are properly cared for, simple implants will last for many years. It is important to maintain regular check ups with your dentist, however, to ensure the implant and the gum are still healthy.

Implants are required when a dead or damaged tooth (or teeth) is removed from the jaw, whether this is from decay, gum disease or even impact trauma. Although you can remove the tooth without it being replaced, this can lead to unsightly gaps in your smile.

Not replacing the damaged tooth can even exacerbate already existing dental health issues. For instance, patients can experience problems with eating and chewing, changes to speech and pronunciation, teeth moving out of alignment and increased strain on both the teeth remaining in the jaw and the gums that hold them.

The type of dental implant you require will depend on several factors, such as how many teeth you have had removed. These can range from simple implants which replace single teeth to ‘All-on-4’ implants, several implants which are used in conjunction to replace multiple missing teeth.

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Brush thoroughly under and around the implant crown
• Floss daily

Oral maintenance and after care

Both dental bridges and dental implants require a high level of oral hygiene. Flossing is usually harder with dental bridges but you must keep up with your aftercare to prevent any infection in your dental implant.

Durability 

Dental implants should last you a lifetime whereas dental bridges may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.

Appearance

Dental implants are completely hidden beneath your gums and are not visible at all. Although dental bridges are quite inconspicuous and can blend in with your natural smile, they are slightly more noticeable.

Cost

Dental bridges are a lot more cost-effective in comparison to dental implants, especially if you need multiple implants.

Treatment duration 

Dental implants take a considerable amount longer than dental bridges taking around six to eight months. Dental bridges usually take a few weeks. 

Health benefits 

Dental bridges do not provide any long-term benefits in jawbone restoration. Dental implants promote jawbone healing and provide more support for any adjacent teeth.

There is scientific evidence that dental implants are the longest lasting solution for a missing tooth. As a result, they are the most cost effective in the long run, outlasting bridges and dentures.

Furthermore, they are better than other alternative options in that they don’t rely on the teeth either side of the missing tooth for support. They have a considerable advantage over dentures in that they are permanent and don’t need to be removed.

Some implants can be placed on the same day the tooth is removed. These are known as ‘same-day implants’. Your dentist will let you know if this option is available to your circumstance. If this is not an option for you, we will be able to use a temporary crown to fill the gap in between the teeth. 

During the healing period between having the implant placed and having your new tooth attached to it, you will need to take special care of the area around the surgical site. We will discuss the best practices to follow with you in the clinic, however, here are the main points you need to be aware of. 

• You will need to clean your teeth and gums in the same way as you always do. However, you will need to avoid the area immediately around the new dental implant. This is to avoid irritating the wound. Use a soft-bristle brush to very carefully clean the teeth and gums surrounding the dental implant. 
• To clean the surrounding area, it is instead advised to use antibacterial mouthwash (we can discuss your options after your procedure) to rinse your mouth out after eating. You can also use warm salt water to keep the area clean and fight infection. 
• During this time, we advise you to eat a soft food diet and to avoid any hard, chewy foods which will put strain on the area and make it harder to clean the rest of your teeth and gums. 
• If you do experience pain, discomfort or swelling around the implant site, you can use over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen to help manage the pain and alleviate swelling. 
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol while you heal from the implant surgery. Smoking and alcohol can both act to slow down the healing process and even increase the risk of infections.
• Follow your dentist’s advice and let us know if you experience unmanageable pain or if you are worried at all about the procedure. 

Your dentist will advise you on your best treatment options. Single implants do have certain advantages over bridges, however. For instance, a bridge requires the teeth either side to be reshaped to accommodate the bridge supports, implants do not have this requirement. Similarly, since an implant is attached directly into the bone, the bone’s structural integrity remains. With a bridge, the jaw bone can begin to deteriorate since there is no root supporting it.

Peri implantitis is an oral condition very similar to gingivitis. It is an inflammatory lesion that affects the soft tissue in the immediate area around the dental implant. It is a site-specific infectious disease. It is caused by the gum surrounding a dental implant becoming infected or inflamed. It can often be triggered by poor oral hygiene. 

Dental implants are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement option to last you a lifetime. With the proper care and maintenance, a dental implant can last for more than 25 years.

Your dentist will discuss with you what type of anaesthesia they will use during the procedure and the benefits of the different ones. It is unusually not necessary for you to be unconscious during the installation of your implant. No matter what type of anesthetic your dentist will use, you will definitely not feel the procedure at all. 

Unfortunately smoking can adversely affect the success of a dental implant. Some smokers will be able to have a dental implant but not all smokers will be eligible. Your implant dentist will be able to decide whether you will be a candidate for dental implants. 

As with any treatment, there are some risks linked to dental implants. However, the success rate of the dental implant procedure is very high and our dentists are experts in the treatment. 

Since dental implants require a small surgical procedure to cut the gum, they do carry the same risks as any other minor surgery. These are mainly risks such as infection or inflammation around the surgical site. A good oral hygiene routine and regularly monitoring the implant will minimise the risk of infection greatly though. 

There is also a chance that the bone will not graft itself naturally to the dental implant, leading to the implant failing. This is usually caused by naturally insufficient bone integrity or in other cases it can be caused by poor oral hygiene, specifically linked to smoking and alcohol after surgery. Certain pre-existing medical conditions can also make the implant more likely to fail.

However, with the proper care, your implants have a minimal chance of presenting any downsides.