The Problem

You might have lost a tooth because of trauma or infection; Or you might have a crown that keeps falling out and there isn’t enough tooth left to attach the crown; This may be impacting on your confidence and your ability to chew and speak.

The Solution

To restore normal function, appearance and confidence the best solution will be a single dental implant.  This is an implant that supports or replaces just one tooth and its root.

Why This Is The Best Option

A single dental implant is a better option than a tooth-supported fixed bridge (the other common option) because:

  • It looks and functions like a natural tooth
  • It is kinder to neighbouring teeth (a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge).
  • It helps keep the bone healthy and intact (With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to deteriorate
  • Over time it looks better (Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unattractive smile).
  • In the long term it is easier to keep clean (The cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge).
  • Very high and predictable long term success with conventional oral hygiene care.

'Over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost effective and satisfactory option.' British Dental Health Foundation.

How It Works

Assessment

At the initial consultation we will discuss the problem and its history. Examination, and if necessary investigations, will help us to confirm the diagnosis and consider viable treatment options. Satisfied with these we can then propose a treatment plan.

 

One of the issues we will consider is whether there is sufficient bone. A CT scan (3D imaging) is required when replacing chewing teeth in the lower jaw or if we are unsure whether sufficient bone is available. If there isn’t sufficient bone, it can be re-constructed with a procedure known as bone augmentation.

First Part Of The Treatment

 The implant (the ‘root’) is placed into the jaw: Ideally about 8 weeks after tooth removal or earlier if sufficient bone remains. The placement is pain free and one can expect mild to moderate discomfort for two to three days.

You can expect it to take from six to twelve weeks for the gum to heal and for the Implant and jawbone to integrate to form an anchor for your artificial tooth.

After this impressions are taken for the tooth to be made. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site.

Second Part Of The Treatment

The implant is uncovered and an extension attached. This temporary healing cap completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks (One-stage implant systems do not require this second step. These systems use an implant which already has the extension piece attached. Our periodontist will advise you on which system is best for you).

Final Part Of The Treatment

Finally, a replacement tooth (called a crown) made specifically for you by dental technicians is attached using a small metal post, called an abutment.

 

Every case is different, and it may be possible to combine some of these steps.