Dental implants are an excellent long-term fixed choice and are used to restore the aesthetics of a smile and chewing ability.
Due to modern innovations in implant dentistry, we have had much success associated with this type of treatment. It continues to remain a popular choice for patients.
In some cases, especially when teeth have been lost, additional procedures may be required, such as bone grafting or gum grafting.
The gap or space left by a lost tooth should ideally be restored. Using implants will prevent negative consequences of losing teeth, such as bone loss or neighbouring teeth moving and tilting into the left space. See Effects of Missing Teeth.
The need for further retention, support or stability, leads to the desire to seek out a treatment that can restore the dental disability in a way that is the most comfortable, long term and cost-effective.
A dental bridge is when two teeth (abutment teeth), either side of the area with the missing teeth, anchor the artificial teeth.
A bridge is a great solution, especially when the abutment teeth also need some coverage protection too. This way, security, support and restoration are offered in the same treatment.
Patients tend to prefer this option when a speedier treatment is required. Bridges form a quick and efficient system of medicine that only takes two weeks to complete.
The treatment is also fixed in the mouth and does not need to be removed. It offers excellent aesthetics since a dental bridge has a porcelain component and can look very realistic.
However, the abutment teeth will need to be prepared and tooth tissue removed to provide the space to place a bridge over them. This level of preparation often hinders the selection of this choice.
Removable dentures are when an acrylic or metal acrylic device is made that holds all the artificial teeth on it.
It is a removable choice to restore the gaps left by lost teeth.
Various components of the dentures, such as metal clasps, are used to anchor the denture to the remaining teeth.
When all the teeth are missing, the denture acrylic or metal (usually cobalt-chrome) is spread over a larger surface area of the mouth to gain tissue retention.
The treatment for dentures can take several visits over a few weeks.
This is the option when the rest of the teeth need to remain undisturbed and not directly used for support.
It is an excellent solution in cases with a high point of plaque retention and caries susceptibility since it allows the patient to clean the remaining teeth and gums better.
Many considerations need to be made when looking to restore missing teeth:
Removable or fixed choice. Here we look at whether a permanently fixed choice would be better than a removable one, especially in the long term.
Speed of treatment. If a solution to missing teeth is required to be completed over a matter of a couple of weeks, then a bridge may be the best option. A bridge treatment would only take two appointments, usually spread over two weeks. Implant treatment can take a few months.
Health of surrounding tissues. In some instances, it might be better to opt for a removable device to adequately clean the remaining oral tissues (teeth & gums). This is especially true in cases when there is a higher susceptibility to dental decay.
Non-invasive surgical option. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and are also often associated with additional surgical procedures. Some patients may not prefer a surgical option, or there may be a medical contra-indication to the treatment.
Coverage and Protection Required. The teeth on either side of the gap are heavily built up and so also require protection. This is achieved by covering the entire tooth in the protective crown part of the bridge. In these cases, a denture would not be a suitable option.
A number of teeth. If multiple teeth need to be replaced, then the treatment can become more complex and involved. In these cases, the patient may opt for a simpler denture or a larger span of bridge treatment.
We will start the process with a highly detailed and thorough comprehensive examination and assessment. We will then construct a customised treatment plan and design your implant treatment.
An implantologist surgically places your new implant(s) in your mouth.
We will assess your healing on this review appointment and make sure everything is going as planned.
The dentist records and impressions to construct the implant’s top part (post and crown).
The dentist will fit the final part of the implant (post and crown).
Your final appointment allows you to have any further refining cosmetic enhancements or minor adjustments.
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone that holds the tooth in place will diminish in height, width, and volume. This may affect the immediate and final appearance of the gum tissue in this area and possibly the surrounding teeth.
The larger the width of bone or the height of the bone, the wider and longer implant can be. A wider and longer implant increases implant stability and thus success. We assess the bone height and width by taking digital radiographs or by taking a CT Scan. More.
Once the implant has fused with your jawbone and tissues, the artificial titanium implant acts as an ordinary root. The longevity of your implant depends on how you improve and maintain your oral health. Read more.
When we place the implant, we make sure the procedure is pain-free. We offer a range of sedation and techniques suitable for nervous patients. You can find out more here.
There isn’t an age limit for dental implants. However, our dentists recommend that if you have to be over 18 for the dental implant procedure. Read on.
A dental implant offers a wealth of oral health benefits. Not only can an implant improve your smile, but it can also realign neighbouring teeth, protect your mouth from gum disease etc. Read the benefits.
When we implant a titanium implant into the jawbone, it becomes part of your oral foundation.
This offers a number of health benefits that include preventing any bone loss whilst supporting the jawbone structure and reduces the risk of gum disease. More.
The price of a dental implant can depend, for example, if any further treatments are needed to make sure your implant is a success, like bone regeneration.
Our inclusive single dental implant treatment costs £2,995 and includes the abutment and crown. More.
You can expect to feel some pain when having a new implant; however, the discomfort is kept to a minimum with modern anaesthetics. Nevertheless, post-process, there can be some swelling and aching for 5 -10 days.
Many patients have multiple implants in a single day without undue pain or distress. More.
Natural-looking
Will my implants match the colour of my existing teeth?
Implants are colour matched and then shaped to blend in with your existing teeth. To the naked eye, an implant is very hard to spot.
Highly experienced implant team
An unparalleled level of patient trust: Dr Rahul Doshi is the founder of the Perfect Smile and is the current President of the BACD.
With over 25 years of dental implant experience, Dr Rahul Doshi proudly leads a highly skilled team with access to the latest dental technology.