Implants
Missing teeth can significantly impact your smile and confidence. Traditional solutions for replacing teeth like dentures or bridges may have limitations. At Crossgate Dental, we offer dental implants, a modern and transformative approach to replacing missing teeth.
Dental implants are small, screw-like posts surgically placed in your jawbone. They function as artificial tooth roots, providing a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants offer numerous advantages:
- Natural look and feel
Implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. You can regain the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worry. - Long-lasting durability
Implants are incredibly strong and designed to last a lifetime with proper care. - Preserves jawbone health
Implants stimulate bone growth, preventing the bone loss that occurs with missing teeth. This helps maintain your facial structure and prevents a sunken appearance. - Improved stability
Dentures can cause slipping and discomfort. Implants provide a secure connection for dentures or bridges, eliminating these issues. - Minimal impact on healthy teeth
Unlike bridges, implants don’t require altering healthy teeth.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or an entire arch of teeth. We will carefully assess your needs and recommend the most suitable approach. In some cases, multiple implants can support a bridge or denture, providing exceptional stability and confidence.
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. During a consultation, we will thoroughly examine your gums, teeth, jawbone and bite using X-rays to determine suitability.
Ready to rediscover your smile?
If you’re considering dental implants to regain your confidence and smile, contact Crossgate Dental today! Book a complimentary consultation with our implantologist, Andrew Dixon. Let us help you explore the possibilities of dental implants and unlock a brighter future for your smile.
DENTAL IMPLANTS FAQ
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth by acting as a replacement root, they are small tissue compatible surgical grade titanium fixtures. They are inserted into the upper or lower jaw and crowns, bridges or dentures are attached to match the colour and contours of the existing teeth.
HOW DOES A DENTAL IMPLANT WORK?
It is an accident of nature that titanium is not rejected by the body’s immune system. In fact the bone cells actively grow onto the implant surface and lock it into place, this period is known as integration. The integrated implant then becomes a secure new root upon which a crown, bridge or denture can be held in place. Implants can replace a single tooth or a whole mouthful of missing teeth.
AM I SUITABLE FOR DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT?
A few medical conditions prevent the use of implants but these are rare. There is no age limit and elderly patients are often quite suitable. However, implants need enough good quality bone to lock into. Certain individuals may not have enough bone in the right place or the bone may be too fragile to support an implant. This can sometimes be overcome by bone grafting procedures.
ARE IMPLANTS SAFE AND DO THEY LAST A LONG TIME?
No treatment can be guaranteed to work but implants have a high success rate in the right cases. Complications are rare if the planning has been performed carefully. Implant treatment is now a well-established technique with a success rate of more than 95% over a fifteen year period. It is essential to care for implants properly once they are in your mouth or they may fail due to infection.
HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT TAKE?
Generally this can take between six weeks to six months. Most cases take about 3-4 months. The time span for your treatment will depend on several factors such as the number of implants required, what type of implant treatment is planned and the quality of your bone.
HOW LONG WILL IMPLANTS LAST?
Generally, well cared for implants in healthy mouths should last as long as your natural teeth. However, this depends on how you look after them and by following correct hygiene procedures. We always demonstrate this to you at the end of your treatment so that you look after your implants effectively.
DOES SMOKING AFFECT IMPLANTS?
Smoking can inhibit proper healing of an implant. However, this does not prevent smokers from having implants successfully placed and restored. You should speak to your dentist for more specific information relating to your dental needs and the effects of smoking.
DOES HAVING IMPLANTS HURT?
Not as much as you might expect! The implants are placed surgically but the procedure has to be done very gently. You should expect mild discomfort equivalent to having a tooth extracted. You may need a second much smaller procedure later to uncover the implant also. This rarely causes discomfort.