A dental implant is designed to replace a missing tooth. A titanium post is carefully placed into the jaw to mimic the function of a root of a tooth then a crown is fitted to the titanium post, replicating the appearance and chewing functions of your missing natural tooth.

The main factors that could delay your implant treatment or in some cases may prevent you from having them are :

• Lack of bone
• Gum Disease
• Excessive teeth grinding
• Auto-immune disease
• If you have had radiotherapy in your jaw area

If you have any of the above or suspect you have one of the conditions and are interested in dental implants, then arrange a consultation with one of our dentists. We will be able to make an assessment of your condition and create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

The placement of the dental implant is carried out under local anaesthetic. For nervous patients we can also provide sedation if this is something you would like. We then make a small incision in the gum and a tiny hole is made in the jaw bone into which the titanium post is gently placed. We would then either cover the implant over with your gum, and leave it to heal for around 10-12 weeks before constructing the crown that sits on top of the implant or we may construct or fit a crown immediately. Every patient has different requirements and we will tailor each plan to suit your individual needs.

We recommend you rest for 48 hours and in particular avoid strenuous activity, alcohol and smoking. Each patient heals differently and in some cases minimal facial swelling and bruising has been experienced but we will advise and support you throughout your treatment to minimise any such side effects.

We will arrange a CT scan for you in the early planning stages of your treatment which will indicate exactly how much bone is available. If we find you do not have enough bone then we can carry out a grafting procedure either before the placement of your implant or at the same time. All options will be discussed with you ahead of beginning your treatment.

We have regular sedation sessions at the Practice so it is very easy for us to organise your treatment to be carried out under sedation should this be something you are interested in. Just mention it at your free of charge consultation with the dentist.