Dental Implants in London
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They are now considered to be the gold standard treatment for lost teeth. Please find more information below, and if you have any further questions, please contact us using the enquiry page below.
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A dental Implant is a titanium screw that is placed into your jaw to replace a missing tooth.
Unlike a dental bridge, a dental implant does not damage your adjacent teeth, and stands independently of the other teeth. It does not require cutting other teeth, and replaces the root of the tooth (under the gum) and the crown of the tooth (what you see above the gum).
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Dental Implants are suitable for most people as long as your mouth is healthy.
We will carry out a full assessment of your teeth, gums and bone to assess your suitability. We will assess your personal risk factors, and let you know the most suitable treatment plan for you. This may involve removing any other dental disease, to give your dental implant the best chance of success.
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The implant is placed into your jaw, and then it is left for 8-12 weeks to heal. During this time, it may be possible to place a tooth on the implant to ensure you still have a perfect smile. After the healing period, the implant is exposed, and impressions are taken to make a tooth that is specifically made for your mouth.
The tooth can be customised to match the shape, colour and dimensions of your mouth.
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The procedure itself should be pain-free. Your mouth may be a little sore for around a week following the procedure, and we will talk you through the steps to control any discomfort.
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Firstly, that’s ok. Most people don’t like being at the dentist. We approach all treatment slowly and carefully. Talk to us about your concerns, and we can move at a pace you are comfortable with.
If you still feel nervous, we can carry out the treatment under sedation to make you feel a lot more relaxed.
IV Sedation places a sedative medication into your arm, so you feel relaxed. For a majority of patients, this is a perfect way to sit through longer procedures, without needing to have a full general anaesthetic. It is a safe procedure, and all sedations are carried out by an external group of doctors who are specifically trained in performing sedation procedures.
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We recommended that you see the dental hygienist at least twice a year and we will assess the implant annually to ensure it is remaining healthy.
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From the literature, 80% of implants last over 10 years. Dental implants need life-long maintenance, much like your teeth. If you take care of your implant, it should look after you!
We will talk you through the steps you should follow, and modify them to suit your particular needs. However, they largely follow the following steps:
Using a good electric toothbrush
We will show you how to brush your teeth to ensure optimum oral health, and in particular, you will need to brush a little more carefully around your implant.
Using interproximal brushes daily
We will identify the appropriate brush for you to remove any plaque that’s building up around your implant.
Regular check-ups (Annual for most people)
We will annually check the bone levels around the implant to make sure there is no deterioration. If there are any problems developing, we can then address them earlier to prevent complications and further treatment.
Professional cleaning
Professional cleaning with a hygienist at least twice a year.