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.
At Sandy Lane Dental Practice we are dedicated to making your dental implant journey as simple as possible. Our 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.
Our implant dentist, Edward 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.
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, eliminating denture problems 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.
Neighbouring teeth will benefit from denture implants.
Denture implants also help prevent bone deterioration. Like natural tooth roots, implants transmit chewing forces evenly to the jaw bone meaning less stress.
They are reliable and a more permanent solution to replacing missing teeth.
At your consultation will discuss with you the main benefits of dental implants with you, and understand how best to achieve the smile you have dreamt about.
We will perform a thorough examination including x-rays and scans. 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 provide you with a bespoke treatment plan, detailing the treatment and associated costs. We would encourage you to ask any questions you may have, it is important that you understand what is involved, our aim is to ensure that all your questions are answered prior to commencing any treatment.
During the implant placement we 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. The final ‘teeth’ will 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, 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.
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 Sandy Lane Dental Practice, 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. We now offer Interest Free and low-cost finance options to help spread the cost of your implant treatment. Please speak to a member of the team and ask for details.
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.
Denplan is a private monthly payment plan that is an easy way of keeping up the great habit of regular check-ups with your dentist, so you'll always get expert advice about keeping your teeth in great condition and avoid any surprises.
