Dental Implants
A permanent, natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, planned by an implant specialist.
What is it?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw placed in the jawbone, where it replaces the root of a missing tooth. Over a few months the bone integrates to the implant, and a crown is fixed on top. The result looks, feels and works like a natural tooth. Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or support a full set of fixed teeth.
Do you need it?
You may benefit if you notice:
- One or more missing teeth
- Loose or uncomfortable dentures
- Difficulty chewing
- A tooth needs removal and you want a fixed replacement
- You don’t want neighbouring teeth cut down for a bridge
Step by step
What happens during treatment
- 1
Consultation and planning
Examination and a 3D scan (CBCT) to check bone and plan the exact implant position. Our implant specialist will sit with you ,discuss all your concerns and explain the whole process.
- 2
Planning
Placement is digitally planned and you are called back in for the procedure.
- 3
Implant placement
The implant is placed under local anaesthesia.
- 4
Healing
Usually 2–4 months while the implant bonds with the bone. A temporary tooth can often be given meanwhile.
- 5
Impression
Once the implant has fused with the bone. An impression is taken to record the position of the implant and your bite so the crown can be made.
- 6
Crown fitting
A crown is fitted on your implant. It is made to match your other teeth in shade and shape.
Visits
3–5 over 2-4 months
Duration
45-90 minutes for placement
Comfort
Moderate discomfort
Placement is done under local anaesthesia. Most patients need only simple painkillers for a day or two, and many say it was easier than a tooth extraction. Some swelling and soreness for a few days after surgery is common
In detail
Implant, bridge or denture?
An implant replaces the root as well as the tooth, so it stands on its own without relying on the teeth beside it. It also helps keep the jawbone from shrinking where the tooth was lost.
A bridge is fixed to the teeth on either side of the gap, which usually have to be trimmed to support it. It needs no surgery and is quicker to complete.
A removable denture is the simplest option and needs no surgery, but it can move while you eat and has to be taken out to clean.
At your consultation, we explain which of these suit your mouth, your health and your plans.
Planned on a 3D scan
Before placing an implant, we take a 3D scan (CBCT) of your jaw. It shows the height and width of the bone and the position of nerves and sinuses, so the implant can be planned digitally to the right position, angle and length. The scan also shows in advance whether you need bone grafting.
Aftercare
- Eat soft food and avoid chewing on the implant side for the first few days
- Do not smoke, because smoking reduces the chance of the implant bonding.
- Keep the area clean as instructed, and use any prescribed mouthwash.
- After the crown is fitted, brush and floss around it like a natural tooth.
- Come for regular check-ups so we can monitor the implant and gums.
Questions
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