Dealing with missing or damaged teeth can surely be disappointing and even affect tooth function and quality of life. This issue can also negatively impact your smile, and even self-confidence, which is certainly no fun.

In addition, the inability to eat certain foods and speech can also sometimes be affected.

All of these are good reasons why many patients seek a permanent solution.

Fortunately, a dentist can assist you in solving this issue and get a new smile on that lovely face in no time!

You can also read more here on independent advice for dental implants. 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are designed to mimic natural teeth and, as such, are made up of two parts. The implant and crown.

The implant itself acts as the replacement tooth root and sits unseen below the gum line, while the crown is the visible part and acts as the new tooth.

Dental implants are titanium posts or screws that are precisely embedded into the jawbone. They are made of strong materials that can withstand the force of chewing and biting and are also designed to integrate with one’s natural bone. This creates a strong and secure foundation for the new crown (the tooth section) to fit onto.

A new crown will be as strong and functional as it is beautiful and aesthetic. It will work exactly the same as a natural tooth would, completing your smile in a harmonious way.

At Saving Smiles, we work closely with our dental laboratories who craft the final crowns to ensure they match perfectly with your existing smile.

What Dental Implant Solutions Are Available?

Single dental implants are a great solution if you have one missing tooth. In these cases, we can place an implant where the gap is, and a single crown will complete your smile.

If you have multiple missing teeth, there are more options. An implant-retained bridge may be suitable if you have missing teeth in one area. This is where a ‘bridge’ of crowns is placed on one or two implants. We also offer full arch implants where required, which is where your restorations are fitted onto four implants. This is an excellent solution for those who currently wear dentures or who face multiple extractions.

In addition, we can also use dental implants to secure dentures. In these cases, two dental implants are placed and your new dentures will securely fit onto them. The denture will still be removable for cleaning, but it provides a much more stable and cost-effective option than traditional dentures.

How the Dental Implant Procedure Works

Our dental implant treatment procedure can be broken down into 3 main steps.

First, you’ll come in for a consultation with our dental implant expert, Dr Shah where you will discuss your needs.

He will carry out a full assessment and take any necessary x-rays. We also require additional information on your bone which is provided by a digital scan of your jaws. So, a 3D scan will follow the consultation.

With these pieces of information, a final treatment plan can be agreed and discussed with you.

Second step is the procedure. The first part of the procedure is the implant placement appointment, during which your implant will be placed and you will be provided with a temporary healing cover to protect the implant. The implant is then allowed to heal with the bone ranging from 2-5 months.

Once the implant has settled into your jawbone, Dr Shah will add a healing cap to the implant, which will have to remain there for about 2 to 4 weeks.

After this a series of digital scans will be taken of your mouth and this will allow the dental technicians to make the final tooth for your implant.

Finally for the third step, your dental crown will be fitted and tried in your mouth to ensure a comfortable fit and that its colour matches your remaining natural teeth.

The Aftercare

Dental implants are an investment in your smile and health, so they do require regular maintenance, just as natural teeth do.

As part of your dental implant aftercare, your Saving Smiles dentist Dr Shah will recommend how regularly you should visit for dental check-ups and hygiene appointments so that he can ensure that your dental implants remain stable, healthy, and fully functioning for the long term. He will also provide personalised advice for home care as well, to ensure you maintain your overall oral health.

With the right dental care, your dental implants will last a lifetime, providing peace of mind and enhanced quality of life.

If you think that these might be a solution to give you a better quality of life, why not call us today and we can see about booking you in for a consultation?