Dental implants are an advanced, long-term solution to replace one or more missing teeth. Designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone with a titanium screw, providing a sturdy base or ‘tooth root’ for replacement teeth. They make a great alternative to traditional bridges and dentures.
Once fitted, dental implants gradually fuse with the surrounding bone to ensure the tooth is secure and fixed. The replacement tooth (a crown) can then be placed on top of the implant with an abutment when fully healed. This process usually takes around 4-9 months depending on the preparation you need before the procedure.
The procedure usually occurs at your local practice and is a straightforward process conducted under local anaesthetic.
Dental Implant Benefits
- Enhanced Comfort and Functionality: Dental implants are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth, providing a comfortable, secure fit that stays in place without the slipping or clicking associated with dentures.
- Improved Oral Health: Implants help preserve your natural jawbone structure, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs with missing teeth. By maintaining your bone density, implants also help keep your facial structure intact.
- A Long-Lasting Solution: Dental implants can last anywhere between 10-30 years, however with proper care, they are incredibly durable and can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective investment compared to dentures, which may need regular adjustments or replacements. This longevity saves you from frequent dental visits and ongoing costs.
- Natural Appearance and Feel: Dental implants are customised to match the shape, size, and colour of your existing teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile. This improves your appearance and restores the confidence you may have lost with missing teeth.
- Easy Maintenance: Implants require the same care as natural teeth—regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Unlike dentures, there’s no need for special cleaning solutions or adhesives, making them a hassle-free choice.
Why You Should Get Dental Implants
Whether you’re catching up with friends, spending time with family, or enjoying a meal out, dental implants provide a gateway to better oral health, enhanced comfort, and renewed confidence in your daily interactions.
If you’ve struggled with the discomfort of dentures, missing teeth, or your social confidence has been knocked as a result of tooth loss, dental implants can offer a life-changing alternative. They provide not just a physical restoration but an emotional boost that empowers you to engage more fully with the world around you. Dental implants are more than just a cosmetic fix.
How to Get Dental Implants
Taking the first step towards dental implants is straightforward. Here’s what the process typically involves:
- Consultation and Assessment: Book an initial consultation with a dental professional who will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for implants.
- Customized Treatment Plan: After the assessment, a tailored treatment plan is created, detailing the steps involved in your implant procedure, including any preparatory treatments like bone grafting, if necessary.
- Implant Placement: The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic , followed by a healing period of a few months to allow the implant to fuse with the bone—a process known as osseointegration.
- Crown Attachment: Once healed, the abutment and crown are attached, completing the restoration and providing a fully functional, natural-looking tooth.
Dental implants are a secure long-term replacement for missing or damaged teeth with natural-looking results each time.
