About Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is permanently fitted into the jawbone and acts as an anchor to support one or more replacement teeth. Dental implants can also be used to hold dentures firmly in place.
Why should I consider dental implants?
The loss or removal of one or more of your teeth creates a gap in your smile, affects your ability to chew food properly, and can alter your diet and nutrition. You are also at risk of gum disease and bone loss if you have one or more missing teeth.
Dental implants can help:
- Restore your smile and confidence
- Stabilise loose fitting dentures
- Improve your ability to chew and digest food
What alternative treatments might I consider?
The advance of technology means that Dental implants have become the gold standard for missing teeth and more patients than ever are now suitable for this type of treatment. Alternatives include bridges and partial or complete removable dentures
Bridgework usually involves the removal of natural tooth tissue to provide a core in order to support replacement teeth. Partial or complete dentures can become unstable leading to discomfort or speech problems; there is also the psychological effect of having to “remove your teeth” at night, which some patients find difficult. Another little known problem associated with tooth loss is a process known as “atrophy,” a shrinking of the jawbone that can progress relentlessly over the years. Bone atrophy affects jaw function and can cause adverse facial cosmetic changes.
Ask your dentist to discuss these treatment options with you in order to find what approach is best for you and your circumstances.
What are some of the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer a safe, predictable and effective solution to the problems arising from missing teeth.
- Replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth
- Improved diet and nutrition
- Improved cosmetic appearance
- Improved quality of life
- Prevention of bone shrinkage or atrophy
What does the treatment involve?
The Dental Implant Consultation
Your journey begins with a dental implant consultation at our West Bridgford practice. During this initial visit, we discuss your goals and explain the procedure in detail, ensuring you feel fully informed. This is followed by a thorough clinical examination of your oral health.
To ensure the highest level of precision, we use advanced diagnostics, including digital X-rays and CBCT 3D imaging. These allow us to assess your bone density and map out the exact placement of the implant post. We also take high-definition impressions of your jaw and existing teeth to create a digital platform for your bespoke treatment plan. This meticulous planning phase is essential for achieving the most aesthetic, functional, and long-lasting results for your new smile.
The Implant Placement Procedure
The titanium implants are placed into the bone using a gentle surgical procedure. Following the procedure, the implants are left undisturbed typically for a period of 3 to 9 months so that the bone can grow around the implants and form a strong biological bond to them.
Your dentist may attach artificial teeth on the same day. However, usually your dentist will fit a temporary bridge or partial dentures so that there are no gaps between your teeth. If you usually wear complete dentures, they can be adjusted so that you can wear them throughout this time.
After your mouth has healed, you will have a second surgical procedure to uncover the gum over the top of the implant. Your dentist will then fit your new artificial tooth or teeth onto the implant. The teeth may be fixed in place or you may be able to remove them when you need to clean them. Your dentist will ensure that they fit properly, match your other teeth and feel comfortable.
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Dental implants are one of the most predictable procedures in modern dentistry, boasting clinical success rates between 95% and 98%. Because implants are crafted from biocompatible titanium, they undergo osseointegration, where the jawbone naturally bonds to the post to create a permanent, "gold standard" foundation.
While traditional bridges may need replacing, modern implants are designed to last 15 to 25 years, and often a lifetime with proper care. Success depends on precision placement and excellent oral hygiene. In the rare instance (less than 5% of cases) that an implant fails to integrate with the bone, the solution is straightforward. The implant can be gently removed, the area allowed to heal, and a replacement post-placed once the bone has recovered. By conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments, we ensure every patient receives a safe, predictable, and highly successful outcome.
At our dental clinic in West Bridgford, Nottingham, we believe our patients deserve the gold standard in restorative care. That is why we exclusively use Straumann implants, a world-leading Swiss system renowned for exceptional quality and scientific backing. As a global leader in implantology, Straumann offers advanced solutions ranging from single-tooth replacements to complex full-arch restorations.
We choose Straumann for their pioneering technologies designed to promote faster healing and bone integration. This allows us to provide more predictable outcomes for our Nottingham dental implant patients, even in cases with limited bone availability. By using a system supported by decades of clinical research, we ensure your new smile is built on a foundation that is safe, durable, and globally recognised for excellence.
Dental implants are firmly secured to bone and, as with natural teeth, require thorough cleaning. If you do not maintain a good dental hygiene routine then you may experience problems similar to that of gum disease with infection around the implant resulting in bone loss, loosening and potential failure.
Fortunately, cleaning around implants is no more difficult than cleaning your natural teeth and we will strongly advise you visit the dental hygienist regularly to maintain the healthy status of your implant and the rest of your teeth and gums.
Get in touch today
To make an appointment with Dr Aziz in West Bridgford, Newark or Radcliffe on Trent or to ask us a question about dental implants please call us on 0115 981 6986 or use the form below. Alternatively, why not visit us in West Bridgford.
