What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a a cutting-edge solution to replace missing teeth. Through a brief surgical procedure, our dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums, precisely where a missing tooth once resided. Acting as a natural tooth root, the implant is then expertly capped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to ensure it closely resembles and functions just like a genuine tooth.
Considering dental implants is a significant step, and we understand you may have questions about what to expect. At our practice, we provide comprehensive information to empower you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Discover How Dental Implants Can Transform Your Appearance and Well-Being
Your natural teeth not only support the aesthetics of your smile but also play a crucial role in enabling comfortable eating and clear speech.
A gap in your smile can lead to the misalignment of your remaining teeth, increasing the risk of oral health complications. Losing just one tooth can set off a chain reaction that negatively affects your oral health, facial appearance, and overall well-being.
Moreover, even if you don’t immediately notice the effects of missing teeth, you can’t escape the natural process of bone resorption. This process involves your body breaking down non-essential bone tissue to redistribute minerals elsewhere. Teeth in your jawbone stimulate the production of new bone tissue by exerting pressure. However, once teeth are lost, the surrounding bone tissue loses its purpose and gradually diminishes. The outcome is a shortened jaw and chin, leading to the development of wrinkles and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Fortunately, dental implants offer a solution that comes as close as possible to having natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can proactively address or prevent the issues mentioned above, ensuring a healthier, more confident smile.
Enjoy Decades of Comfort and Natural Feel with Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be devastating. A missing tooth can make us feel self-conscious about our smile and may lead to a variety of health problems. Gaps can make your bite feel uncomfortable, cause difficulties eating the food you love and may lead to bone loss or shifting teeth. Restore your natural appearance – Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They become permanent, “perfect” teeth as they are custom made to blend in with your smile. Implants look natural because they are sized, shaped and colored to match your unique bite and natural enamel color. Feel confident in your comfort – When a dental implant is placed your jaw bone actually fuses with the titanium post as it heals. A crown or bridge can be permanently affixed to the post or the implant may be used to secure implant-supported dentures but one thing is certain: That dental implant is not moving. Laugh, smile and eat your favourite foods. Shifting teeth or sudden pain won’t even cross your mind. Improve bone strength – When teeth are lost, the bone that supports those teeth can begin to atrophy and weaken over time. Dental Implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, strengthening the bone structure. Dental implants are a long-term solution that feels natural and lasts decades with proper oral hygiene.
Enhancing Comfort and Confidence with Dental Implant Restorations
Dental Implant Restorations A restoration serves as the “false tooth” that conceals the implant. While the implant remains hidden when you smile, it’s the restoration that envelops it, creating the appearance of a new tooth.
- Dental Crown: This is the most common type of implant restoration, designed to cover a single-tooth implant.
- Dental Bridge: When multiple teeth in a row are missing, a bridge bridges the gap. You can replace several teeth with just one or two implants that provide support for a dental bridge. A full implant-supported bridge comprises an entire upper or lower arch of teeth securely affixed to four or more implants.
- Implant Denture: Enhance the stability of a removable denture by attaching it to two small implants.
What To Expect On Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The actual implant placement process is much more comfortable than you might imagine.
Examination
Initially, you’ll undergo a dental implant assessment to determine the suitability of implants for your specific needs. During this consultation, your dentist will utilize X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to assess the condition of your jawbone and carefully strategize your treatment. Additionally, the dental team will create a scan or impression of your teeth to aid in the precise planning of the implant’s placement angle.
Implant Procedure
We apply anesthetic to ensure complete numbness at the surgical site. The dentist then makes a small incision in both the gums and the bone of your mouth. Subsequently, the implant post is carefully positioned within the incision. In some cases (though not always), sutures may be required to close the gum tissue.
Completing the Restoration
You return home to allow your implant to heal over the coming months. When you revisit our practice, we’ll have your dental restoration prepared and ready. We’ll then proceed to attach the restoration, and you’ll depart with a brand-new, fully functional tooth.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost Of Dental Implants In London
In London, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,500 but can be higher if a bone graft is required. For full-mouth reconstructive dental implants, the expenses can vary between $6,000 and $60,000 and beyond. If you’re considering a full set of implant-supported dentures, the average cost hovers around $30,000. It’s important to note that providing an accurate quote over the phone is challenging, as the dental implant procedure is intricate and depends on various individual factors.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery
Several crucial factors determine the cost of dental implant surgery:
- The type and quantity of implants required.
- The materials and supplies used in the procedure.
- The expertise and experience of the dental team accompanying you throughout the process.
- The location and complexity of the surgery.
- Your recovery period, with our commitment to assisting you throughout.
Given the uniqueness of each case, it’s vital to consult with a dentist, undergo an oral examination, and explore different treatment options tailored to your specific needs. We are delighted to provide you with a more precise quote.
Exploring Alternative Solutions for Missing Teeth
For those with 1 to 3 missing teeth, dental bridges can sometimes serve as a suitable solution. Extensive tooth loss, whether in the upper, lower, or entire mouth, can be addressed with dental prosthetics or removable dentures. When weighing the cost of dental implants against other tooth-replacement options, it’s essential to consider their respective advantages and disadvantages.
While dental implants may entail a higher initial investment, they offer greater stability and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics demand distinct care and maintenance, potentially requiring adjustments or replacements with age. In contrast, you care for dental implants much like your natural teeth, with routine at-home oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. With proper maintenance, a dental implant can endure a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dental implant process can take several months. It includes evaluation, surgery, healing time, and the placement of the final restoration. The exact timeline varies from patient to patient.
During dental implant surgery, local anesthesia is used, ensuring the procedure is pain-free. Afterward, some discomfort or mild pain is common, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Dental implants are a suitable option for many, but not all. Candidates need adequate jawbone density and overall oral health. Smokers and those with certain medical conditions may not be ideal candidates.
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular oral hygiene and dental check-ups are crucial to their longevity.
Dental implant coverage varies by insurance plans. Some may cover a portion of the cost, while others may not cover them at all. It’s important to check with your insurance provider.
Yes, dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. They provide a stable and comfortable solution for tooth replacement.
Yes, dental implants allow you to eat a wide range of foods comfortably, as they are securely anchored in your jawbone.
Yes, dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth. Depending on the case, they can support individual crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures.
The initial healing period typically takes a few days to a week. However, complete integration of the implant with the bone can take several months.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to ensure their longevity and health.
