A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root, usually made from titanium. They are suitable for most adults with good general health and are a more permanent solution to replacing missing teeth.
If you have a single missing tooth, a single implant is the best solution for you.
The appearance of teeth at the front of the mouth is important for many of us and dental implants have become the first choice for many patients who are missing a tooth from their smile!
A single titanium implant is placed into the bone and once healed, a custom made cosmetic crown is made to fit onto the implant and match nearby teeth to look natural.
The dental implant will function, look and feel just like your own tooth.
I have done extensive training in implant dentistry and can restore missing teeth with advanced implant techniques. I work tirelessly to explain all the key aspects of your treatment and give you a bespoke and personalised smile. With training from leaders in the field, I have completed and created numerous beautiful smiles using modern Invisalign and composite bonding techniques.
At Marsh Lane Dental we are dedicated to making your journey smooth and as easy as possible. Our whole team will ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed, from our receptionists who always have a friendly chat whilst you wait, to our nurses who will be there to reassure you every step of the way. And of course, I will be there to guide you through every part of the process, including explaining all the steps of the procedure so there are no surprises. Additionally, you will be able to watch anything of your choice on Netflix during your treatment. However, many of my patients have fallen asleep during the treatment!
More than one missing tooth can lead to a large gap in your mouth resulting in difficulty eating, speaking and affecting the appearance of your smile.
Multiple dental implants can be placed to restore the gap. These can be as a combination of single implants and cosmetic crowns or a cosmetic bridge connecting implants together. The number of dental implants required depends on a number of factors. We will discuss all options with you at your consultation.
They are the most natural solution, aesthetically and functionally.
They fit harmoniously into the dental arch.
They cannot be distinguished from real teeth in their function or appearance.
They provide a stable foundation for dentures, sparing patients the disadvantages of conventional dentures such as pressure points and poor fit. The palate is also no longer covered by plastic denture material, which has a positive effect on speech and the sense of taste.
They make it unnecessary to grind the neighbouring teeth.
They can prevent bone deterioration. Like natural tooth roots, implants transmit chewing forces evenly to the jaw bone. If this stress is absent, as with conventional solutions, the jaw bone shrinks slowly.
They are reliable and a more permanent solution to replacing missing teeth.
Dr Jay will discuss with you the main benefits of dental implants with you, and understand how best to achieve the smile you have dreamt about.
Dr Jay will perform a thorough examination including x-rays, a ct scan, a digital scan of your mouth and clinical photographs. This step is crucial to planning your implant treatment. Once we gather this information we are able to plan precisely the implant care that best suits you, taking into consideration your bone and clinical needs.
We will go over your bespoke treatment plan with you, discussing the benefits of treatment. It is important that you have as much time as you need to discuss and understand what is involved and our aim is to ensure that all your questions are answered prior to commencing any treatment.
Dr Jay will apply a local anaesthetic and place the titanium screw in the planned location of the missing tooth. This procedure takes between one and two hours and is relatively painless due to the local anaesthetic. You may experience a small amount of discomfort following the placement of the implant but this will subside and healing will occur relatively quickly.
Once your implant integrates with the bone, we are able to restore the implant. After taking a digital scan of the position of the implants, the final ‘teeth’ can be individually designed, manufactured and attached to the implant. Once in place, they will look, feel and function as a natural tooth.
Following the completion of treatment, you can explore our many membership plans to maintain and look after your smile for the long run. Our dentist and our hygiene team will help guide you on how best to care for your mouth following implant treatment.
If you struggle wearing your dentures or they become loose and move about, causing difficulty in eating and speaking, dental implants can be used to secure your denture into position.
Two to four implants are placed in the lower jaw and four implants in the upper jaw, allowing the denture to be secured into position when needed and removed to clean with ease.
Implant secured dentures are also more comfortable than traditional type dentures, allowing you to retain a more natural biting and chewing function.
A CBCT scanner is a state-of-the-art scanning machine that is used to produce high resolution 3-D images of the soft tissues, bones and teeth in the mouth. The highly accurate reading provides the most precise and effective planning process for dental implant placement. This advanced scanner can also be used for detection of infections, tumours and periodontal disease at a much earlier stage when they are more responsive to treatment. The procedure is beneficial to the patient, ensuring a comfortable and speedy experience.
Dental Implants have been used as a successful therapy for permanently replacing a tooth or teeth since the 1960. Modern dental implants are made from titanium – a metal well documented for integrating with human bone.
Dental implants are the ideal permanent way to replace any damaged or missing teeth – whether one single tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth. It is true that it is best not to delay too long after teeth have been removed as there is a natural process of bone shrinkage following tooth removal. This can make it more difficult to place an implant, but that is not a barrier to implant placement. If you have a gap or dentures, an implant or implants could be a very good choice for you.
We will arrange a CT scan for you in the early planning stages which will indicate precisely how much bone is available. If we find you lack bone then we will carry out bone grafting procedures at the same time or before implant placement.
Strong and healthy gums are vitally important to achieve a successful implant, as a solid base structure is required. Speak to your dentist if you are unsure.
Depending on the amount of implants, and the type of procedure required, the cost is different for each person. Your dentist will provide you with a full and detailed estimate for any proposed treatments. At Marsh Lane Dental, there are no hidden costs. Whatever is required for successful surgery will be provided for you. If a bone graft is required this will be included within your treatment estimate.
During the implant placement, you will be given a local anaesthetic. You may experience a small amount of discomfort for a few days afterwards but this will subside as healing should occur relatively quickly. Your dentist will advise on how to minimise any discomfort.
Yes, you can! Your implant supported teeth will be strong and secure so you will be able to eat, laugh and speak with complete confidence.
Your new teeth will look and feel like real teeth and they will requiring the same care as real teeth too. You should brush and floss your teeth as usual. Continue with regular routine check-ups as advised by your dentist
With regular care and cleaning, your dental implants should last you a lifetime.