Dental implants have quickly become the gold standard for those patients looking to replace missing teeth. They offer strength, functionality and naturally blend in with your other teeth. In this article we will provide an in-depth look at this amazing tooth replacement solution, the key benefits and what you can expect during the procedure when getting dental implants at Pine Dental & Aesthetics in Belmont, Sutton.
What are dental implants?
Implant dentistry is an advanced dental option available to those patients suffering from missing teeth. It is made up of a small, screw-like post made of titanium, which is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone. Over the course of time, through a process called osseointegration the implant will fuse with the bone.This creates a strong foundation on which a replacement tooth in the form of a dental crown, bridge or denture can be placed. This treatment is fast becoming a popular option for long-term tooth replacement.
What are the key benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants have a number of advantages over other tooth replacement treatments (such as dentures), this includes:
1. Long-lasting solution: provided they are carefully looked after, dental implants could last many years. This is compared with other dental treatments like a dental bridge which is typically replaced after 5 to 10 years, a dental implant is a long-term solution.
2. Improved oral health: once placed, implants can help maintain the structure of the jaw bone one fused, which can prevent the loss of bone which often happens when teeth are missing.
3. Improved dental aesthetics and functionality: as implants look and feel like natural teeth, they allow you to do all of the same things your natural teeth allow you to do (i.e. chewing). As an implant is fused to the jawbone it is much stronger and will not slip off like a denture could.
4. High success rate: dental implants have a high success rate. However, please note the success rate can be impacted by the patient’s overall oral health and the quality of the jawbone.
At Pine Dental & Aesthetics in Sutton, the implant dentist will discuss with you the key benefits of dental implants as a tooth replacement option and how they compare to other dental treatment solutions such as dental bridges and dentures.
How is a dental implant placed?
The dental implant procedure will be performed by our implant dentist at our dental clinic in Sutton. The steps involved in dental implant surgery include:
1. The initial consultation and assessment: The first step to your dental implant procedure is the first consultation with the implant dentist and a comprehensive dental examination, which will include 3D x-rays to assess the health of the jawbone, whether you are a candidate for dental implants and what type of dental implant is recommended to be placed.
The dentist will take many clinical photographs and a 3D digital scan of your teeth to ensure the best aesthetics are achieved when planning your dental implant treatment.
2. Tooth extraction (if necessary): In the event that you have a damaged tooth which needs to be removed, the implant dentist will extract this before placing the implant. There are situations where a bone graft may be required to strengthen the jawbone. If this is necessary our implant dentist will discuss this with you at our dental clinic in Sutton.
3. Implant placement: The implant dentist will surgically place a titanium implant into the jawbone. This step is typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort.
4. Osseointegration: Once the dentist has placed the implant, the bone will begin to fuse with the implant. This process can take several months and is crucial to ensure the dental implant is firmly fixed to the jawbone.
5. Abutment placement: Once osseointegration has successfully been achieved, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment acts as a connector between the implant and the artificial tooth (i.e. dental crown).
6. Dental crown placement: The last step of the process is to place a bespoke dental crown on the abutment. Our implant dentist in Sutton a will take steps to ensure the dental crown matches the shape, size and colour of your other teeth.
Learn more about dental implant services in Sutton.
How long does it take to place a dental implant?
Although this can vary and depends on the specific case, it usually takes the implant dentist 1 to 2 hours to place a single implant in the jawbone.
However, the patient will have to wait for the jawbone to fuse with the dental implant which can take between 3 to 6 months. In the event a bone graft or tooth extraction is needed then this can increase the time it will take to place the dental implant.
At Pine Dental & Aesthetics, our implant dentist will discuss the estimated timeline with you at our dental practice in Sutton ahead the dental implant procedure.
Can dental implants be placed in one day?
It is possible to have a dental implant and a temporary crown placed in a single visit. However, not all patients qualify for this treatment and it is only possible in certain circumstances. It is subject to there being sufficient bone density in the jawbone to support the dental implant and temporary crown and good overall oral health. The dentist will discuss with you whether same day dental implants in Sutton are an option at our dental clinic.
The final crown will only be placed once osseointegration has successfully occurred. However, a temporary crown provides an immediate solution to patients while they wait for osseointegration to complete.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
A dentist can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or even an entire arch:
1. Single tooth: A single tooth can be replaced with one implant and crown.
2. Multiple teeth: A dental implant can be placed to support a dental bridge which replaces several teeth.
3. Full arch: A dentist can give a patient a full set of upper or lower teeth by using 4 or 6 dental implants (referred to as All-on-4 or All-on-6 technique).
If you would like to replace multiple teeth and are looking for affordable dental implants in Sutton, the implant dentist can discuss with you pricing and finance options available.
Does getting dental implants hurt? What expect during and after surgery
The process of having dental implants is much more comfortable than you would expect. During the procedure, the dentist will place local anaesthetic to the area being treated which ensures you feel nothing. After the treatment it is common to suffer swelling and soreness around the area, however, this will subside after a few days.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a transformative dental procedure available to patients suffering from missing teeth. They are functional, durable and natural looking which helps them blend in with your other teeth.
Dental implants are an ideal option if you are looking to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full set of teeth and our dental implant dentist in Sutton will discuss with you your options.
If you are looking for a fixed, long-term tooth replacement in Sutton, at Pine Dental & Aesthetics we have specialist dentists that offer dental implants for missing teeth.
Book a dental implant consultation
Pine Dental & Aesthetics is located in Belmont, Sutton directly next to Belmont Train Station, and bus stops, and has plenty of free parking spaces.
Call us on 020 3535 6260 or email hello@pinedental.co.uk to speak to a member of our team to start your new smile journey.
1 Station Approach, Belmont, Sutton SM2 6DD