Designed to replace a single tooth, single-tooth dental implants can transform a patient’s life and smile. Missing just one tooth can make eating and speaking more difficult and damage the patient’s self-esteem. It can endanger the long-term health of neighbouring teeth and the overall oral well-being of the patient.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a fixed way to replace a missing tooth. This means that, unlike traditional dentures, they are not removable – offering a more stable, secure, and comfortable alternative.
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are made up of a titanium screw, which is placed inside the jaw, acting as the new root for the tooth.
Titanium is a biocompatible, body-safe material that is able to fuse with the bone of the jaw.
A natural-looking prosthetic tooth is placed on top of the titanium screw. This prosthetic is usually made of titanium fused to ceramic or zirconium, a highly natural-looking replacement material. It can mimic the shade and texture of a natural tooth almost perfectly.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
Placing an implant takes place over just one appointment. It is often quicker than having a crown placed or undergoing a root canal treatment, for example. However, the overall treatment journey will take 3-4 months as the implant and the jawbone need time to fuse together before the prosthetic tooth is placed on top of the screw.
Will I be left with a gap in my smile while I wait for the implant and my jawbone to fuse?
No. A temporary denture or bridge is placed while you wait for your implant and jawbone to fuse successfully so you don’t have to worry about living with any unwanted gaps in your smile.
What aftercare do you provide?
At Alban City Dental, we are committed to our patients’ wellbeing, offering comprehensive aftercare and support in case any issues arise. Following any surgical procedure, you will receive a phone call from one of our dentists or a treatment coordinator and – in the event of an emergency – you will be provided an after-hours number to call.
How do I take care of my dental implant?
Once the single-tooth dental implant has been fitted, you can take care of it exactly as you would a natural tooth. This means brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing regularly, and keeping up with regular dental check-ups and dental hygiene appointments.
How long will my dental implant last?
At Alban City Dental, we have a wealth of experience, having successfully completed thousands of implant procedure with a wealth of combined experience of over 40 years, from single-tooth implants to full-mouth rehabilitation.
We also use high-quality implant systems, such as Straumann, to help ensure long-lasting, durable results.
When placed by us, and with proper care, your dental implants should last as long as your natural teeth, provided you maintain proper oral care and don’t face underlying medical issues affecting your dental health. We are proud to offer a robust guarantee, ensuring that your investment will serve you well for years to come.
Will any neighbouring teeth be affected by dental implant treatment?
No. Unlike other replacement options, such as bridges, neighbouring teeth are not disturbed.
Am I suitable for dental implant treatment?
We’ll assess your suitability for a single-tooth dental implant by performing a 3D scan of your mouth to ensure enough healthy bone is available to receive the implant. This is done via a CBCT scan. Even if we find that there isn’t enough healthy bone available, we may still be able to go ahead with treatment by first carrying out a bone graft or sinus lift.
I’ve previously been told I’m not a suitable candidate for treatment. Is it worth getting a second opinion?
Absolutely. At Alban City Dental, we often treat patients who have previously been told they are not suitable candidates for implant surgery. Our Clinical Director, Dr. Prakash Promod, has a wealth of experience, having successfully completed thousands of implant procedures with a 99.6% success rate, from simple to complex, single tooth and full mouth rehabilitations. Using advanced surgical and regenerative techniques we are often able to even place the implants at the time of extraction preserving as much natural bone as possible and reducing overall treatment time by several months.
Do you still have questions or simply want to book an appointment? Get in touch with us online or call the practice on 01727 614 751.
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