An effective and long-term solution for missing teeth
Dental implants are now the first choice for restoration in many scenarios for replacing missing teeth. They can help to transform your smile and give you confidence and function to allow you to eat effectively. Both registered and new patients can book a free dental implant consultation. This appointment includes a full and thorough examination, treatment plan, and cost estimate.
Book a FREE dental implant consultation
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is like a prosthetic root to which the artificial tooth or teeth will be placed. Dental implants can be used individually to replace missing teeth or two or more can be used to construct bridges and implant retained overdentures to replace multiple missing teeth. They do not rely on using any of your natural teeth to help support false ones and when possible, they are the best long-term option to replace teeth.
At Rendlesham Dental Practice we can guide you through this procedure and make sure your needs are taken care of every step of the way.
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Benefits of dental implants
- Secure and durable: Dental implants are firmly anchored to your jawbone, ensuring they won’t slip or loosen over time. This provides the strength and stability you need for confident eating, speaking, and smiling.
- Natural-looking: Implants are designed to seamlessly blend with your existing teeth, both in appearance and function. You’ll be able to enjoy your favourite foods, drinks, and conversations without any limitations.
- Proven and effective: Dental implants are a well-established, safe, and highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They can be used to restore single, multiple, or even all your teeth, regardless of where they are located in your mouth.
- Preserving oral health: Implants can help maintain the health of your remaining natural teeth and jawbone. By supporting your facial structure, they can prevent further tooth loss and premature ageing.
- State-of-the-art technology: Our advanced dental technology and expert techniques allow us to create highly precise and natural-looking implants. You’ll benefit from the latest innovations in dental care.
Why choose Rendlesham Dental Practice?
- Caring and professional staff on hand to help patients
- A Dementia Friends organisation, helping people living with dementia to get the care they need
- Members of the British Dental Association
- Staff continually undertake professional development and training
- Ample free parking
- All surgeries are modern, ground floor, and accessible by all
Book your dental implant consultation
What does the process for dental implant treatment involve?
Step 1 Comprehensive consultation and planning We’ll begin with a thorough assessment of your oral health, including your jawbone density and overall dental condition. This helps us determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. If necessary, we may recommend a bone grafting procedure to ensure optimal implant placement.
Step 2 Implant placement Our skilled implantologist will carefully place the titanium implant into your jawbone using local anaesthesia. The implant will then integrate with your bone over the next 3-6 months. During this healing period, we’ll provide you with a temporary tooth to maintain your smile and function.
Step 3 Reveal your new smile Once your implant has fully healed, we’ll attach your final restoration, whether it’s a single crown, a bridge, or a denture. You’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful, functional, and confident smile. We’ll provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.
What types of dental implants are available?
Single implants
A missing tooth can be effectively replaced using a crown fitted to a single dental implant. The replacement tooth is strong, secure, and durable, able to withstand pressures from chewing, and looks just like your existing teeth. Alternative options for a single missing tooth are available, including a single tooth denture or bridge, but these are not as effective as an implant. A single implant can be fitted with no damage to the remaining healthy teeth, prevents unwanted movement, and strengthens the jaw.
Multiple implants
If you have several missing teeth, there are various implant options to consider filling the gaps. Separate single implants can be placed, but you do not necessarily need an implant fitted for each missing tooth. Strategically placed implants can be used to support a bridge to replace a few adjacent teeth. This method is particularly effective in cases where the jawbone may not be sufficient for implant treatment in some places.
Full arch implants
Traditionally, dentures have been the go-to option for replacing a full upper or lower arch of missing teeth. However, despite the advances in denture treatment, they can be uncomfortable to wear and do not stop the jawbone from degrading over time. Dental implants are seen as the superior alternative and offer two main full-arch options:
- A fixed full arch bridge of new teeth, supported by four or six precisely placed dental implants. Once they have settled, your new teeth will feel completely natural and enable you to eat, drink, and speak as you did before.
- A denture, anchored into place by dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are much more secure and do not move when worn, giving you back your confidence and a full smile.
Most people are suitable candidates for dental implants, provided they are generally healthy and able to undergo a routine dental procedure, such as an extraction. It’s beneficial if you have good oral hygiene, healthy gums, and enough bone in your jaw to attach the implant. If you don’t have enough bone density, this can often be rectified with a bone graft. Dental implants are not usually offered to younger patients whose jaws are still growing. It also helps if the patient is not a heavy smoker, this is because smoking can slow down the healing process. We will thoroughly discuss your overall suitability for implant treatment at your initial consultation and it’s likely you will be suitable for the treatment.
We use local anaesthetic during dental implant surgery to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. You won’t be able to feel a thing. After treatment, it is normal to experience some discomfort, and this can be managed with pain relief advised by your dentist. Implant treatment is often less painful than having a tooth extraction, and most patients can return to their usual routines the next day.
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime if they are properly looked after. This includes maintaining an excellent brushing and flossing routine, looking after your general health, and attending regular check-up appointments with your dentist. The crown or bridge that the implant supports may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear and tear.
No, dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth. We can match the shape and colour of your existing teeth when creating your final fixed crown or bridge, so it blends seamlessly into your smile.
You should treat your dental implants just like natural teeth and include them in your normal oral hygiene routine. As they are made from artificial materials, your implants are invulnerable to decay or cavities, but you will still need to brush and floss to keep the gum surrounding the implant healthy and problem-free.