Dental implants are small titanium tubes which are used to provide support for replacement teeth. They are fixed into the jawbone so are firmly anchored in place. Over time, the implants will bond with the jawbone creating a strong ‘root’ that lasts for many years. They are completely safe, having been in use for many years now and can be used to replace individual missing teeth or, if the patient has sufficient bone left, they can in some cases replace a whole set of teeth.
How do implants differ from dentures?
Dental implants in Southgate are quite different from dentures; they are fixed directly to the jawbone and are very natural looking. A lot of people who have them actually forget that the tooth is an implant because it feels so similar to their own teeth and looks so natural and realistic. You can treat them as if they were your own teeth and feel confident that they won’t fall out and cause embarrassment. Dentures, however, are not fixed so they can take some getting used to. Dentures can also move around, especially if the wearer is enjoying something crunchy to eat! Implants can help if you wear dentures as they can anchor the dentures more firmly in place giving you more confidence when eating and smiling.
What’s the procedure?
First of all, the patient will have an in-depth consultation with the in-house implantologist. X-rays will be taken, or if the X-ray doesn’t provide a clear enough image then a CT scan may be carried out. This will examine the bone structure and bone quality in the jaw and assess the health of the gums. A patient may need to adopt a more rigorous dental hygiene routine to improve gum health. This is important for the comfort and stability of the implants. Bone can be replaced around the implant area using a graft (bone taken from elsewhere in the patient’s body or bone from animal sources) if the existing bone is insufficient or of poor quality. You will have the opportunity to ask questions during and after your consultation to ensure that you are clear about the procedure and that it is the right choice of treatment for you.
Is it painful?
No, not at all. If you have any concerns about discomfort during the procedure then speak to our implantologist. They will help to put you at ease and discuss any fears you may have. You will have a local anaesthetic before undergoing the implant process so you will be pain free. Further pain relief will be available during treatment if needed. There is a lot that we can do to help if you are a nervous patient, from sedation to hypnosis. Our team are dedicated to making your experience with us a positive one.
How long does the procedure take?
The time scale varies from patient to patient. It depends on how many implants you need and the health of the bone and gums. It can take several weeks or even months if there are a lot of implants required or if you need bone grafts to provide a more stable base for the implant to be attached to. You will discuss this with the implantologist at your initial consultation. But although the process of replacing missing teeth can be time consuming, the end result lasts a very long time so it is time well spent.
