Dental Implants
The ideal option for replacing a single tooth, dental implants can also replace multiple missing teeth without the need for a removable appliance.
Unlike a bridge or denture, a dental implant fixes a ceramic replica of your missing tooth directly into your jaw – almost as if the original were restored.
By using a surgical guide specially created for each patient, we’re able to operate with greater precision, reducing the site of the surgery. This helps to minimise postoperative pain and swelling and reduce the risk of postoperative infections, allowing you to recover faster.
6 steps to a successful dental implant
The initial consultation
We’ll examine the site of the missing tooth and discuss options
Taking X-rays and digital scans
These allow us to confirm the site for the dental implant has healed sufficiently, with enough bone having regenerated. This is particularly important if the missing tooth is the result of a recent extraction. We also use our intra oral scanner to take digital scans to capture a 3D model of your teeth and jaw.
Creating the digital plan
At your next appointment, we will implant a titanium screw into your jaw. This serves as the artificial root for your replacement tooth. To ensure the implant is placed in the jaw accurately and safely, we use a 3D printer to print a surgical guide from the digital template.
Fitting the implant
At your next appointment, we will implant a titanium screw into your jaw. This serves as the artificial root for your replacement tooth. To ensure the implant is placed in the jaw accurately and safely, we use a 3D printer to print a surgical guide from the digital template.
Fabricating the crown
During the 3-month healing period, a specialist boutique dental laboratory fabricates the ceramic implant crown.
Adding the crown
Once the implant site has healed, the ceramic crown is fitted to the titanium implant. From consultation to delivery, the entire process can take 3-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions.
If you only need to replace a single tooth, a dental implant is by far the best option. In most cases, creating and maintaining a denture or bridge for a single tooth wouldn’t be practical.
Many patients assume implants are permanent as it effectively creates a new tooth in your jaw. However, the life of a dental implant is usually about 10-15 years and may eventually need replacing.
In the beginning, you’ll need to take greater care while the gum and jaw heals – avoiding hard foods and hot liquids. However, once healed, you look after a dental implant just as you would your other teeth: gentle brush and floss your teeth twice a day and attend regular check-up appointments with your dentist.
There’s no getting around it. Dental implants are more expensive than bridges and dentures. However, they’re also longer-lasting, more comfortable and much more convenient.
While you may need to replace a denture in seven years or so, a dental implant will usually last twice as long. Plus a removable appliance also carries the risk of accidental breakage. So, it’s worth considering the long-term value of a dental implant over the alternatives.
Of course, if you need to replace multiple teeth, you may find dental implants too cost prohibitive. Instead of replacing all of the missing teeth with implants, it may be possible to use one or two implants to provide the necessary stability for a denture or bridge to replace the rest.
While you may need to replace a denture in seven years or so, a dental implant will usually last twice as long. Plus a removable appliance also carries the risk of accidental breakage. So, it’s worth considering the long-term value of a dental implant over the alternatives.
Of course, if you need to replace multiple teeth, you may find dental implants too cost prohibitive. Instead of replacing all of the missing teeth with implants, it may be possible to use one or two implants to provide the necessary stability for a denture or bridge to replace the rest.
Dental implants have exploded in popularity in recent years. As a result, there are numerous brands and types of dental implant on the market, with varying costs – and quality.
But, as always, your teeth are the guardians of your health. Even minor issues and discomfort can impact your eating and your overall well-being.
That’s why we only use dental implants from leading manufacturers.
But, as always, your teeth are the guardians of your health. Even minor issues and discomfort can impact your eating and your overall well-being.
That’s why we only use dental implants from leading manufacturers.