Dental Implants by Southside Dental
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Why do I need a dental implant?
Dental implants are a natural looking way of replacing missing teeth.
An implant is an artificial tooth root replacement (usually constructed from titanium) that enables you to avoid having to wear a removable denture, or the need to cut down an adjacent tooth in order to construct a dental bridge.
Dental implants feel comfortable while being securely fixed in place, meaning that you can largely continue to eat and drink as normal, and maintain your regular oral health routine, without having to worry about your implant becoming dislodged or falling out.
How is a dental implant fitted?
To begin with, a titanium implant is screwed into the jaw bone where the tooth is missing.
This acts as an artificial root for the implant. A small metal post is then inserted into the implant, to which an artificial crown is then attached. The crown, which is extremely strong, is made from biocompatible material and so functions in the same way as the remainder of your teeth.
Over time, a process known as osseointegration takes place. This will see the titanium implant fuse with your jaw bone, and therefore you can reasonably expect your implant to last a lifetime. This procedure will generally take two sessions at our clinic to complete, with the titanium implant being inserted during the first, and the metal post and crown being added in the second.
You will either be under light sedation or local anaesthetic when both stages of the procedure are being performed.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
A dental implant is strong, durable and long lasting, and comes with the added advantage of being very natural looking.
This means that you can get your smile back, eat and drink as you would have previously, and eliminate any speech problems your missing tooth might have created.
You can also brush and floss your teeth normally, so having a dental implant will contribute to good ongoing oral hygiene as well.
Are dental implants right for me?
If you have lost a tooth, or have dentures that you are unhappy with, dental implants offer a highly effective solution.
Provided you have healthy gums and adequate bone to support it, a dental implant can be a cost effective and long-lasting solution to your problem.
FAQ
Questions about Dental Implants
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The length of time required to have dental implants fitted will vary, but you can expect the gap between the first and second sessions to be somewhere between 3 and 6 months.
Is it painful to have dental implants fitted?
It is generally not a painful process to have dental implants fitted, as it will be carried under local anaesthetic or light sedation. However, there may be some pain and discomfort after each session, although this can usually be managed quite easily.
What dental implant aftercare is required?
We will give you detailed instructions regarding aftercare to ensure there are no complications with your dental implants. Generally speaking, you will need to:
- Rinse regularly with warm salt water and keep your mouth as clean as possible
- Keep food away from the new implant for as long and as much as possible
- Use painkillers and ice packs to manage any swelling
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