Dental Implants

The most common material used for a dental implant is titanium or a titanium alloy. Ceramic may also be used in patients wishing to have a non-metallic option.

• Preserves adjacent teeth – No need to grind down healthy neighboring teeth (unlike bridges).
• Restores full chewing function – Lets you eat comfortably and confidently, just like natural teeth.
• Prevents bone loss – Stimulates the jawbone to maintain its structure and prevent shrinkage.
• Long-lasting solution – With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
• Natural look and feel – Blend seamlessly with your smile for a confident appearance.
• Stabilises dentures – Provides secure support for removable dentures, especially in the lower jaw.
• Improves speech – Prevents slurring or slipping that can occur with ill-fitting dentures.
• Easy to care for – Brush and floss like natural teeth—no special cleaning tools needed.
• Boosts confidence – Restores your smile and eliminates worries about loose or missing teeth.

There is always a small chance that the dental implant will fail to integrate with the jawbone and have to be removed. Certain medical conditions can put you at a higher risk for implant failure. As with any surgery, there is a potential risk of surgical complications when placing a dental implant. Improperly positioned dental implants can make it difficult–if not impossible–to place a useful dental restoration in the mouth. Implant supported restorations do not have the same feeling as a normal tooth and it is possible to put too much pressure on them when chewing, leading to damage of the implant restoration or opposing tooth.

Any risks will be identified at the consultation stage when CBT scans and x-rays will be used to help assess bone density and suitability for implants.

Bridges, dentures or partial dentures can replace missing teeth without requiring implants. The missing tooth or teeth can also be left without replacement. This, however, can lead to other problems such as an unstable bite or unwanted movement of the surrounding teeth.

If you have a misaligned bite, the restorations placed on the dental implants will be at greater risk for fracture or failure. Proper alignment of the teeth prior to dental implant placement leads to a more aesthetic result. Bite and tooth alignment problems should be addressed prior to dental implant placement.

You should be careful not to disturb the surgical site immediately after dental implant placement. This means no chewing on the side of the implant and careful cleaning methods for several weeks to a month. The dental implant takes several months to totally fuse to the jaw, so fewer disturbances to the area means a higher success rate. If you have a temporary denture to replace your missing dentition, it is important that the denture does not rub on the surgical site.

Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime if they are properly looked after. This includes maintaining an excellent brushing and flossing routine, looking after your general health and attending regular check up appointments with your dentist. The crown or bridge that the implant supports may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear and tear.

We use local anaesthetic during dental implant surgery to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure and unable to feel anything we are doing. After treatment, it is normal to experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain relief advised by your dentist. Implant treatment is often less painful than having a tooth extraction, and most people are able to return to their usual routines the next day.