Dental Implants

Implants are generally considered the best solution for replacing lost teeth.

An implant is a titanium-based screw, that is placed into your jaw bone as if it were the root of your natural tooth. A porcelain crown, designed to look and act like your own tooth, is then placed on top of the implant screw, above the gum. It’s all fixed down, so it does not move and does not need to be removed – the closest thing you can have to your tooth.

The treatment is usually broken down into three phases:

Phase One – The Consult

The dentist will assess your tooth (which needs to be removed) or the gap that you have after it has been lost. They will take x-rays, maybe a CT scan and a digital scan of your mouth. This will help them to understand the space better so that they can then discuss the options available to you and plan your treatment.

Phase Two – Implant Placement

The dentist will have worked hard before your appointment, to plan exactly how and where to place the implant screw in your jaw bone. The procedure itself needs to be conducted in an extremely sterile environment, much like any other medical surgery, so the room will be set up to look like a surgical theatre on the day of your visit, to make sure the highest levels of cleanliness are maintained throughout. It usually takes about 90 minutes but if more than one implant is being placed, it could take longer.

Phase three – crown placement

The implant screw is left to heal in your jaw bone for anywhere between 3 and 6 months, so we can make sure it is well-anchored in place. The dentist will then place an attachment to the screw above the gum, and a porcelain crown will be placed onto the attachment to look like your own tooth. This phase may take 2-3 visits.