Dental Implants
For a long-lasting, winning smile, dental implants could be the answer.
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01227 771 323
- Mon-Fri: 8:15am - 5:00pm
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Call us on 01227 771 323
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info@khdp.co.uk
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Mon-Fri: 8:15am - 5:00pm
Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are an increasingly popular solution for the replacement of lost or missing teeth. They secure directly to your jawbone, just like your real teeth, making them strong and sturdy. With dental implants, you can enjoy troublesome foods like apples and corn on the cob, without worry and they won’t affect your speech, like some dentures can. Most importantly, they’re hard-wearing and they look just like the real thing.
Look great – feel great
Long-lasting By a process known as osseointegration, implants are held firmly in the jawbone.
Smarter Implants can help reduce further loss of jawbone where they are placed.
Predictable With sufficient quantity and quality of bone, implants offer a predictable anchor for crowns/bridges/dentures
How do dental implants work?
Implants are typically made of titanium with an internal screw that holds it in place. Once fitted, your jawbone gradually attaches itself to the implant, holding it firmly in place. If you’re replacing more than one tooth, a single dental implant can support several false teeth – so there’s no need for one implant to replace every tooth. Implants can also be used to support a full or partial set of dentures.
With a number of dental implant options available, you should discuss with your dentist what’s right for you.
Dental implant process
The implant process can typically take 3-9 months and varies between individuals
Initial consultation with your dentist
X-rays taken to examine the implant area and possibly referred on for a more specialised x-ray.
Implant fitted into the designated site (takes between 30-60 mins per implant).
Jawbone fuses to the implant (can take 3-6 months)
Abutment fitted (either at the same time or later, depending on circumstance)
False teeth are constructed and fitted
Dental implants can mean a time and cost commitment, but are the closest thing to the real thing and with proper care, can last as long as your natural teeth.
Dental implants – Pros & Cons
- Healthy smile: A winning smile for life. Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth.
- Time: Not a quick fix. The process can take 3-9 months.
- Healthy bones: Implants replace your tooth root to tip, meaning less risk of bone loss.
- Complications: Generally rare, but gums can get infected after implant surgery and in extreme examples, peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease is possible.
- Hard-wearing: They’re sturdy, strong and as close to permanent as you can get.
- Extra work: Additional preparatory work, such as a bone graft, may be needed.
- Fixed: No risk of the implant falling out and getting lost or damaged.
- Cost: Implants are an investment and take time, so think carefully before you start. Even with dental insurance, you may have to cover some of the cost.
- Natural: Implants won’t affect your speech or ability to eat whatever food you like.
- Long lasting: Take care of them and they could last as long as your natural teeth.