Dental Implants For a Complete, Natural Smile

A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural tooth root, usually made from titanium or a titanium alloy. It is placed into a carefully prepared socket in the jawbone, at the exact position of the missing tooth.

Implants have an internal screw thread so that other components can be fitted to them. Once healed, they provide a strong foundation for the long-term support of crowns, bridges and dentures. There are many implant systems available and, when used competently, implants are a highly reliable form of treatment.

This depends on how many teeth are missing and on the quality and volume of bone at each potential implant site. As a general guide:

Whilst it isn’t suitable for everyone, with careful preparation it is sometimes possible to fit new implant-supported teeth on the same day. Your dentist will advise what is realistic for you.

• One missing tooth - a single implant with a crown is normally all that’s needed.
• Two, three or more missing teeth - you don’t necessarily need one implant per tooth, as an implant-supported bridge can span the gap.
• No teeth in the upper jaw - bone here is generally less dense, so a minimum of around 6 implants is often used to support a full arch of 10 or more teeth.
• No teeth in the lower jaw - bone at the front is often very strong, so a full arch may be possible with as few as 4 implants, although 5 or 6 is common.

Implants are placed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Afterwards it’s normal to have some swelling, tenderness or bruising for a few days, which can usually be managed with everyday painkillers. We’ll give you clear aftercare advice before you go home.

Most healthy adults with missing teeth can be considered for implants. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease or a lack of bone may affect suitability, and your dentist will check these carefully. We understand implant dentistry can feel daunting, so we’ll make sure you’re informed and relaxed at every stage. Our associate dentist, Dr Edmund Acheampong, has a particular interest in dental implantology.