Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium or ceramic post (like a tooth root) that is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. After it is left to heal, the dentist can then attach a replacement tooth or teeth onto that implant. An implant doesn’t come loose like a denture can; it acts like a natural tooth root and integrates with your bone.

Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges. This means that they are not destructive of your other teeth and, with a 98% success rate, are an excellent choice for maintaining a natural smile.

A Dental Implant can be used to replace a Missing Tooth.

Substituting the root of the missing tooth prevents further serious complications that can arise if the missing tooth is left untreated.

It usually requires multiple appointments to complete.

First, your mouth is prepared for placing the implant.

Next, the implant body is placed into the bone (to act as the root), along with a special healing cap. The area is then given time to heal (normally anywhere up to 3 months).

Your implant surgeon will monitor the healing process; we can provide a temporary tooth made on the day to fill the empty space.

When the area is fully healed, the healing cap is removed and replaced with the ‘abutment’, which serves as the base of your new tooth.

Finally, your new crown (the top of the tooth) is placed over the abutment and cemented into place.

Your tooth is now restored to optimal shape and function.

Benefits of Dental Implants

If you’re thinking about dental implants, or your dentist has advised you that you should consider them, the chances are you may have some questions. Are they the best option for you? Are dental implants expensive? Can you have them? Will your dental implants look natural?

To help answer these questions and give you a little more information, we’ve put together a list of what we think are the top benefits of dental implants:

Looks Natural – Once a dental implant is fitted with its bespoke tooth, the result will look completely natural. The tooth will sit flush with your gum, so no one will be able to spot the difference.

Cost Effective – If you consider the lifetime costs of dental implants compared to the costs of other restorations that may need to be replaced regularly, they are surprisingly cost-effective. Once your mouth is healthy and your implants are successfully placed, we can help you concentrate on preventing any future problems.

Prevent Bone Loss – When you lose a tooth, you begin to lose bone mass around the missing tooth site because there is no longer a root there to encourage the strengthening of the bone. Placing a dental implant in your jawbone stimulates new bone growth through a process called ‘osseointegration’. This can help to prevent future bone loss.

Facial Structure – Bone loss from tooth loss can give people with missing teeth a sunken, aged appearance around the mouth that impacts the structure of the whole face. Dental implants can help preserve your facial structure by helping to keep your jaw bones strong.

Strength & Function – Dental implants behave like natural teeth, providing strength and function because they are anchored firmly in your jaw bone; they give the tooth stability.

Dental implant myth buster

Most frequent questions and answers

Can anyone get Dental Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a general dental extraction can be considered for a dental implant; you should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. It is important to note that you will need to be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area will need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your general dentist for a referral or call us for a chat.

How painful are Dental Implants?

Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure and less pain than a tooth extraction! Local anaesthesia will be used during the procedure, with oral sedation also a possibility, or IV sedation can be arranged if required.

You will be given medication to manage the soreness after the dental implant, which should only last a matter of days.

What is involved in getting a Dental Implant?

The first step in your dental implant journey is to work together to create a bespoke treatment plan. This plan will address your specific needs in an initial consultation with you and may take a digital scan to better assess your requirements. Your treatment plan will outline all your options, our recommendations, and the likely costs incurred.

Next, the implant (tooth root), which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As your jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks.

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post — called an abutment — is attached to the post to hold the new tooth securely. To make your new tooth or teeth, your dental technician will take impressions of your teeth and create a model of your bite, which will be used to create an entirely bespoke crown or denture in our on-site lab. Your dental technician will match the colour and shape of the new teeth to your natural teeth.

It is also possible to retain and support a removable denture with specific attachments placed on the implants.

How do I care for Dental Implants?

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups. For more information, please read our ‘Caring for your implants‘ fact sheet.

What are your payment options?

We at Dorset Dental Clinic understand that implants are a more expensive treatment option and that most people cannot commit to paying for the treatment upfront. We offer a number of solutions. The costs of your treatment can be spread out over the course of your patient journey with us by paying a set amount at each appointment. You can pay for each treatment as it happens, or you can take advantage of our payment plan, which allows you to pay monthly for your treatment over the course of 6, 12 or 18 months. For more information or to set up a payment plan, please speak to our reception team.

How successful are dental implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed, but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.