Dental implants are titanium screws which are skillfully placed into the jaw. Once in position, the implants may be left for a short healing period after which the implant is uncovered and then used to support either a crown, bridge or denture.
Until recently, dentures were the solution to replacing missing teeth, but they can look unnatural and can make biting, chewing, speaking embarrassing and difficult, They can lead to further problems with teeth, gum and jaw bone. Implants are an ideal way to transform your smile as they look and feel just like your own teeth. They are also often stronger than your own teeth and are fixed into your jaw, so there is little danger of them falling out. None of your other teeth are affected and implants actually strengthen the bone and gum into which they are fixed. Smiling, talking, biting, kissing, it can all be done with the utmost confidence.
During your initial consultation, we will take a series of x rays or CT scans and photographs to help us place your implants. You will meet your implant team who will talk you through the procedure, costs, and address any concerns you may have.
This is the stage where you and the Implant Surgeon discuss your treatment options from your clinical report. You will have an informal chat with the implant team and can ask any questions you like. Once you are comfortable, the treatment will be booked in.
This is also when we will arrange any finance options with you such as finance.
You will receive a pre-surgery pack to guide you on how to prepare for your treatment, whilst we make the necessary preparations on our end.
This is the day when you get your new teeth!
Before the surgery, both you and the implant team will be draped-up to ensure a sterile environment to give you the best outcomes.
We use the latest technology in CT and digital scanning to accurately plan your surgery.
The procedure normally takes no more than 30 minutes to complete for a single implant.
For the next 3 months, your implants will heal into your jaw. Just like healing a broken bone, your body needs time to fuse the new implants to your jawbone. Don’t worry, we won’t leave you alone during this period – you will have regular checkups with your dental implant team to check everything is healing as it should be and that you are able to clean and care for your implants properly.
Once your implants have healed, we can engineer your new, permanent tooth. We do this over a series of appointments by taking scans and impressions of your smile. This is important so we can get the most comfortable fit. This is your chance to consult with us on size, shape, and shade.
When we are sure you are happy, we will fit your permanent tooth.
Just because your surgery is over, your life with your new smile has only just begun. You will have regular check-ups, including x-ray, cleaning, and maintenance to make sure your smile stays sparkling.
If you have been referred to us by another dental practice, we will discharge you back to your regular dentist and advise them how to help you look after your implants. Alternatively, you can choose to see our implant team and hygienist for regular maintenance appointments, since we are now familiar with your smile and can provide the best possible care.
Dental implants are right for most people, however, because it involves a surgical process there are some exceptions. People with certain conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or alcoholism may not be suitable.
In addition, individuals who have previously undergone cancer surgery in the head and neck area or are currently undergoing radiation may also not be eligible.
There are also other conditions that will need to be treated first before going ahead with dental implant surgery including gum disease. If in doubt, feel free to speak to our clinicians first.
Here at Bamber Bridge Dental Care, we fit the most durable, high-quality dental implants to our patients. While the crown may need replacing after 10-15 years, there is no reason why the implant itself (the fixture secured into the jawbone) shouldn’t last indefinitely as long as it is well maintained with excellent oral hygiene and regular check ups.
People do not need to replace missing teeth. However, when a tooth is missing it sets off a chain of events that can result in further tooth loss. Teeth begin to drift towards the gap, for example, and this makes them more difficult to clean and therefore more prone to attack from bacteria contained in tartar.
At the same time, your bite will also change which means that more pressure is forced onto neighbouring teeth. Finally, bone tissue starts to reabsorb back into the body because it’s no longer required to support the tooth root at the missing tooth site. Over time, this will weaken the jaw causing other teeth to become loose.
A tooth implant can fill a gap in the smile so teeth no longer drift, restore full chewing ability, take the pressure off other teeth and stabilise the jaw by halting bone loss.