Titanium implants offer a great way to replace a missing tooth!
Although dental implants can be used to replace multiple teeth very effectively, perhaps the most common use is where an individual tooth has been lost. Especially where the missing tooth is very visible, such as at the front of the mouth, few patients are likely to want to leave a gap.
Whilst dentures and bridges are also an option, both of these have a number of disadvantages over dental implants. The strength, natural look and feel, and the longevity of this tooth replacement method makes them a great choice for our Central London patients.
The procedure
Unlike the fitting of dentures, dental implant placement does require some minor surgery along with a thorough check before the treatment starts.
Pre check
As well as discussing any health issues to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for treatment, your Regents Park implant dentist will check your mouth for any gum problems and also takes scans to determine if there is sufficient bone to place the implant into. Where there is not, a prior bone graft may be necessary.
If you are found to be a suitable candidate for immediate placement, with no prior treatment, an appointment will be made to start the process.
Placing the implant
Initially, a small hole will need to be drilled into the jawbone. This is not as frightening as it might sound, and with a strong local anaesthetic, you should feel no more discomfort than with other dental treatments. The implant will then be placed into the jawbone and you will be provided with advice about how to care for it over the coming weeks.
Osseointegration
Once the implant has been placed, the most important part of the process takes place. This is known as ‘osseointegration’ and is where the bone and the titanium implant start to bond together. To date, only titanium is known to do this consistently and cheaper implants should be avoided as they will almost certainly fail.
You will need to take care to keep the implant clean and also to avoid hard foods for a while. Our Central London dentists will explain more about this during your consultation. A degree of patience is required as the osseointegration period lasts for around 3 months, but could be more or less depending on the individual.
Final stage
Once the implant has bonded securely with the bone, it is time for the dental crown to be added. This is done through the use of a support collar known as an abutment. Once the crown has been attached, you will soon be able to eat any food that you want without fear of your replacement tooth becoming unstable. Generally, a dental implant should last for twenty years or more providing that you take good care of it with regular cleaning, along with routine checks at our dental practice.
If you have a missing tooth, or teeth, and would like to find out more about modern tooth implants, please call Primrose Hill Dental on 020 7722 0860.