Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great long term solution for replacing missing teeth. These implants are placed directly into your jawbone by your dentist. They are placed inside your jawbone to work as an artificial replacement for the root of your missing teeth. 

They can support dentures or crowns in the same way your natural roots support your natural teeth.  

Having missing teeth can affect your confidence and self-esteem as well as affect the structure or your teeth, bite and the way you eat and speak. Dental implants can offer you a long-lasting and discrete choice of treatment for replacing teeth.           

A dental implant itself is similar to a titanium screw that is placed directly into your jawbone, essentially completely replacing your missing natural tooth and its structure. After your dentist has fitted the implant, the bone surrounding it will gradually fuse to the implant itself and hold it firmly in place. A false tooth such as a crown or a denture will then be fitted to the top of the implant to cover it giving it a natural look to your smile.

Book an appointment to find out more about dental implants in Wandsworth, South West London or Esher, Surrey.

Dental implants are fitted after your oral surgeon makes a cut to open up your gum which then exposes the bone. The dental implant will then be placed in the bone after the surgeon drills holes for the implants to be fitted into.          

Since implants are anchored directly into your jaw, your other teeth need not be used as in the case of the bridge. Dental implants are the most natural solutions to tooth loss, both aesthetically and functionally. The implant fits harmoniously into the dental arch and are not only fixed as securely as natural teeth, but cannot be distinguished from your real teeth in either function or appearance.

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is drilled securely into the bone of the jawline. Your dentist will make an incision in the gum that exposes the bone below. They will then drill holes down into the bone so that the metal implant screw can be secured.

This screw then acts as an anchor, to which can be added a dental implant, whether this be a bridge, crown or similar. Once the implant screw is secured, a temporary implant will be used while the gum heals. The titanium in the implant integrates and fuses with the jaw bone as time passes. This allows gums to keep their natural shape, keep the implant secure and ensure it is hidden from sight below the gum line.

Implants have come to be seen as the preferred method for replacing missing teeth and their popularity with patients has risen markedly. Dental implants combine the restored functionality and overall appearance of a smile provided by dentures, with the permanency and fixed placement of natural teeth.

Dental implants can be placed from start to finish at one of our London or Surrey practices, where you can have all your scans and appointments with one of our specialists. Implant treatment at the Neem Tree will give you back your self-confidence and a new smile.

Depending on the number of implants required and the complexity, this can vary – but usually the dental implant procedure lasts 90 mins for one implant from start to finish. Once the implant is placed it takes a period of around 12 weeks to integrate and heal.

Once this period is over, the final crown can be made to measure in line with the other teeth. Usually, during this period a temporary crown is placed which replaces the gap whilst the implant is healing.

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

An implant is not the only way to replace any missing teeth. There are several other options that include:

• Full or partial dentures: False teeth that are attached to a removable framework (usually metal or plastic).
  
• Bridges: False teeth that are fixed on to existing teeth on either side of the missing teeth. 

Your dentist will help you decide which option will be the best for your specific needs. An implant is not the best option for everyone. It can be dependent on many factors including which teeth are missing and the condition of the remaining teeth and gums.

The dental implant procedure itself is not painful. During the treatment you will be under anesthetic however, when it wears off patients often feel some level of discomfort. This varies from patient to patient.

It is normal to feel a bit of pain after the surgery which can be managed with over the counter pain medication. If your pain does not improve after five to seven days then you need to call your dentist immediately. 

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. 

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.