Are you struggling to eat your favourite foods? Or do you feel self-conscious about your smile due to missing, broken or loose teeth? Dental implants could be the solution for you. Offered at mydentist practices across the UK, dental implant treatment gives you the closest replacement for natural tooth and a permanent solution to your dental woes.
Find out what you need to know about dental implant treatment including how dental implants work, the treatment process, the different types of implants on offer at mydentist and the benefits of implant treatment in this tell-all blog.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implant treatment involves surgically inserting a dental restoration to your jaw to support a permanent dental restoration. Dental implants differ from treatment options like dentures, as you will not be able to remove the implant.
Instead, the implant will integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Put simply, the bone fuses with the implant, providing a stable and durable foundation for your restoration. Once fully integrated, the dental restoration will be placed on the implant to augment function and improve appearance.
Dental implants consist of two main components
Implant: The implant “post” is inserted into the jawbone and serves as the foundation for the dental restoration.
Final Restoration: The visible part of the dental implant system, consisting of an abutment that connects to the implant and supports the dental crown, bridge, or denture above the gum line, based on your dental needs.
The dental implantation process
At mydentist, we provide comprehensive dental implant treatment to restore your smile. Whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, your dentist will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you receive care and advice suitable for your individual needs.
The dental implant process typically involves the following steps:
Initial Consultation and Assessment: During your first appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays and discuss your treatment goals. This is also a perfect time to address any questions or concerns you may have. If you decide to proceed with the treatment, your dentist will create a tailored plan for your specific needs.
Placement of the dental implant: In practice, an implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone.
Osseointegration: Over time, the implant will fuse with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for your dental restoration. This can take a few months. A temporary replacement is normally provided at this stage.
The Final Restoration: Once the implant has fully integrated, a custom-made final restoration will be created. This usually takes 2-3 appointments, though more complex cases may require additional visits to complete the treatment.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery: Following the procedure, it is crucial to adhere to the guidelines provided by your dentist, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular follow-up appointments.
The different types of dental implants
Single dental implant - The simplest type of implant, a single dental implant is used to replace one missing tooth. As with other types of implants, a "post” is inserted into the jaw and a dental restoration is attached to it, offering a natural functional appearance.
Multiple dental implants - Multiple dental implants are a perfect solution if you have two or more missing teeth. They work exactly the same as single dental implants and are almost as easy to fit.
Dental implant bridge - A dental implant bridge uses multiple implants to hold three or more teeth in place, forming a fixed dental bridge.
Dental Implant Dentures - This option involves placing two or more dental implants in the jaw to anchor a removable denture. The denture securely clicks onto the implants, providing stability while allowing for easy removal and cleaning. It’s a more affordable solution for those who are eligible, offering both function and convenience.
Smile in a Day* - Using advanced techniques, we can now offer you your smile back in a day by providing you with fixed teeth using dental implants, a treatment that until recently could take a year or more to complete. Our Smile in a Day treatment (also referred as Same Day Implants) is ideal for people who have loose or failing teeth, no teeth or are currently wearing ill-fitting dentures. This technique uses four or six dental implants, surgically inserted into your jaw, onto which we secure a full set of natural-looking teeth.
Benefits of dental implant treatment
- Increase your confidence and improve your smile - dental implants are designed to look as natural as possible, allowing you to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
- Maintaining jawbone structure - Dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone and can minimise bone loss and the effect it can have on the shape of your face.
- Long-term solution - Dental implants are a proven, long-term solution for missing teeth, with a high success rate and a low risk of complications.
- Replacing loose-fitting dentures - Dental implants can replace loose-fitting dentures for a secure and stable solution.
Are you thinking about starting implant treatment?
If you've been considering starting implant treatment find out more about the treatment process and discover our helpful tips and FAQs on our treatment page. Or browse our comprehensive treatment offering, find your local mydentist practice or more information about mydentist, at www.mydentist.co.uk.
*Temporary appliance fitted on the day; permanent appliance fitted on subsequent appointment