Dental implants are one of the most common, stable solutions to replace missing teeth longterm for the majority of our happy patients – both new and loyal. Patients come to the Gentle Dental from all over Surrey.
“69.0% of people aged between 35 and 45 years have one tooth missing” – Referral Md
Implants are permanently affixed to the bone in your jaw using a titanium screw that functions as an artificial root, providing a secure, natural-feeling and durable solution for restoring your smile by filling in gaps caused by tooth loss.
Implants are specifically designed to replicate your existing teeth.
The first step of the dental implant procedure is a general overview of your oral health, including an x-ray and scan of your teeth and jaw.
This is primarily to determine and assess whether you have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support an implant. If you don’t, there are a range of solutions available such as a bone graft.
Other alternative appropriate treatments for insufficient bone include zygomatic implants, which uses a different technique.
Dr Ali Rifai Your implantologist will fix the implant into your jaw. They will then allow the gum and jaw bone to heal safely, during this time the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone.
This process typically takes between 3 and 6 months, but it can happen faster for some patients.
When the implant is securely in place, the specialist dentist will attach a high-quality crown to it, completing the process.
Not only do implants have cosmetic benefits, but they also encourage the growth and repair of new bone in the jaw; improving the overall condition of your oral health.
When we lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to break down. With a dental implant, you can prevent or even reverse the effects of bone loss.
Dental implants are also longlasting and can be maintained upwards of 20 years with the correct aftercare.
We can use dental implants to restore one or more missing teeth, replace entire arches, or provide additional security for other restorations like bridges and dentures.
If properly cared for, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Otherwise, dental problems can cause issues with the functioning of our teeth and our self-esteem.
That’s why it is important to look after your implants as best as you can once you have had your procedure.
• Avoid smoking: smoking can damage your implants the same way it can damage your teeth – it is best to avoid smoking generally in order to reduce risk of discolouration, gum disease and mouth cancer. During the healing phases, smoking can interrupt the healing process meaning the implant may not fully integrate with the jaw if you continue to smoke in the first few days post-treatment.
• Oral hygiene: we recommend caring for your implants the same way you would care for your natural teeth – brushing twice a day, cleaning the narrow gaps and hard to reach places and using mouthwash to eradicate and remaining bacteria that could lead to infection or bad breath.
• General maintenance: our relationship with our patients does not end as soon as the treatment does, we will be happy to continue meeting and offering more advice and check-ups to make sure your dental implants are in top condition. Our hygienists can also carry out professional cleaning of your implants, and they are fully trained in the optimum maintenance of the implants and will help you increase the lifespan of your implants. We recommend meeting our hygienists at least once a year.
“I will be recommending Dr Rifai and all the staff to everyone.” – Michael M.
Read more of our reviews here.
There are several non-permanent solutions available if you have missing teeth.
Dentures are another common treatment choice, see some of the differences between the treatments below:
Interested in hearing more? Contact us.
Speak to one of our dental professionals about this permanent and natural-looking solution to missing teeth on 020 8224 7562.
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We regularly see patients from Esher, Claygate, Hinchley Wood, Thames Ditton, Cobham, Walton, Addlestone, Chertsey, Chessington, Epsom, Hampton, Kingston, Shepperton, Staines, Sunbury, Surbiton, Sutton, Teddington, Twickenham and Woking and welcome new patients and referrals.
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