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Implants - What are they?

​The procedure is generally very simple and only takes a short time depending on each individual case. It is usually common to work on one jaw at a time and is found to be more acceptable to both patient and dentist.
 

Once the implants have been placed they are then allowed to heal for a period of 2 to 8 weeks. After this time has passed, the patient in a simple and quick appointment will have the implants checked to ensure that they have integrated with the bone. Once this has been confirmed the final restoration can be made.

Here at Great Bookham Dental Practice we specialise in a full range of implants.

​After the full healing period, successful dental implants are likely to be yours for life, providing you maintain high levels of oral hygiene and regular reviews by us.

in a simple and quick appointment will have the implants checked to ensure that they have integrated with the bone. Once this has been confirmed the final restoration can be made.

After the full healing period, successful dental implants are likely to be yours for life, providing you maintain high levels of oral hygiene and regular reviews by us.

Dental Implants are titanium alloy screws, which firmly attach to the jawbone, replacing the roots of missing teeth.

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Implants - Benefits over Bridges

  • ​Less traumatic
  • Minimal surgery
  • Rapid healing
  • Great long term results
  • Excellent value for money
Great Bookham Dental Implant Centre post implant surgery

Both dental implants and bridges are excellent treatment solutions to replace missing teeth and they both have advantages to the patient. However the question is asked time and time again when a dentist has to produce the best treatment plan for their patient, should they use dental implants or use a dental bridge?

Dental implants are more visually attractive

Dental implants generally look better and are easier to clean than a bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Resorbed(deteriorated) bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unattractive smile. For that reason a dental implant generally looks better than a bridge.


Dental Implants provide a long-term cost effective restorative treatment

Dental implants often last a persons entire life with proper maintenance. Compare this to bridges and dentures which after ten years have a high probability of need for replacement. Implants may actually seem more expensive in the short run, however due to their durability, maintainability, and independence of the teeth surrounding it, they are actually more cost effective. They require less maintenance than ordinary bridges – which can develop caries also known as tooth decay, leading to the replacement of the bridge. However, since dental implants are made of titanium they do not develop caries.
Implants can replace many adjacent missing teeth

Dental implants are implicated when a series of lost teeth including posterior molars must be replaced and there are no surrounding anchor teeth. A standard bridge will normally require healthy and sound surrounding teeth for its long-term use. In many ways, the dental implant can be considered to be similar to the healthy root of

a tooth. Implants can support one particular artificial tooth or crown, a bridge or denture and can be used in combination with several implants to form the base for a full mouth bridge reconstruction.

Dental Implants encourage bone growth & preserve facial structure

Dental implants stimulate healthy bone growth and preserve oral health contrary to conventional bridges due to the exercising of the jaw bone and constant biting action. When teeth are lost the surrounding bone begins to shrink. Dental implants maintain the structure and shape of the jaw bone. Most implants preserve the underlying jawbone and for that reason preserve the overlying facial structures, preventing the shape and facial structures from collapsing.
Dental implants are easier to maintain & do not foster decay or gum disease

Dental implants are easier to maintain in most cases. You can floss around them without a bridge threader or other specialized tools. With a dental bridge, there may be a higher risk of problems down the road. If, for example, there is new decay around one of the surrounding teeth, you might need a complete new bridge instead of just having to repair the one tooth.

After considering a bridge vs dental implants and taking all the factors into account – it is clear the dental implants solution is preferable. Even though the initial price is higher, in the long run it is actually a more cost effective alternative, given that they look better, preserve bone structure, are stronger and more durable, and are more resistant to decay. However, you should consider a conventional bridge if your bone structure is lacking and do not want to undergo bonegrafting. Contact us today to book a free implant assessment and find out exactly how dental implants can help you

Single Implants

This is where a patient wishes to

repl​ace either individual or multiple

teeth where one or more teeth are

damaged or missing.

In the past, the main solution to missing teeth has been to wear dentures, but this is not the only possibility.

Dental Implants can be used to replace single teeth or multiple teeth as well as to retain dentures. They are unique in design as they can fit in to small spaces and where the bone is limited in height and width.

As well as replacing teeth and reforming the contour of the face, dental implants are about giving back confidence, dignity and self-esteem.


Am I suitable for Implants?

Anyone who has lost teeth or who are dissatisfied with their dentures or dental condition and want to feel more confident when smiling, laughing, eating and talking are suitable.

Although, in some cases the structures of the mouth may prevent the use of an implant. If you are healthy enough to undergo routine dental extractions, then it is more than likely that you will be suitable for dental implants.

Generally people who have uncontrolled Diabetes, Haemophilia, Leukaemia, other blood related diseases or are on Steroid Therapy are not suitable for implants. Consult your dentist for advice.


Will it be Painful?

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation – so no pain is felt. There is a little discomfort immediately after surgery, which is to be expected. This can be treated with a mild painkiller and a soft diet can be eaten almost immediately.


What is the cost for Dental Implants?

Quality of life for patients far outweigh the costs

As with all types of complex restorative treatment, cost is an extremely important factor. The cost will vary depending on the complexity of the treatment, the number of implants and individual requirements.

It is advisable to get an individual assessment and a written estimate of the costs involved before starting any treatment.

Generally it is considered that, benefits and quality of life for patients far outweigh the costs.


Where Can I go to have Dental Implants Placed?

Dental implant placement is normally undertaken as a routine procedure in your dental surgery and may only require two visits. In the first appointment the implant and temporary crown will be placed and in the second a permanent crown will be fitted.


Implant Placement

In some cases the

implant can be loaded

immediately, both for

crowns and dentures.

This is particularly

useful in lower dentures, which can be stabilised by the use of Ball type Dental Implants and plastic housings that are inserted into the new or existing denture.


What About Dental Implant Aftercare?

Just like natural teeth, implants will require very thorough cleaning for the best long-term results. Dental implants do not suffer from the same disease process as natural teeth and generally a normal toothbrush and flossing is all that is needed, although other brushes may be adopted for awkward areas.​

Great Bookham Dental Implant Centre implant
Great Bookham Dental Implant Centre cross section

Stabilising Dentures

A majority of people suffer a great

deal of discomfort from wearing loose

or ill-fitting dentures. As a result, many

withdraw from any type of social

engagement, leaving them with

reduced confidence and low self-esteem.

 

Benefits of Denture Stabilisation

  • Restores proper chewing ability, allowing a more varied      diet
  • Improves speech and confidence
  • Increases comfort with less irritation of the gum tissue
  • Eliminates the cost and inconvenience of denture                adhesive
  • Can often utilise existing dentures
  • Minimally invasive flapless procedure


As each case may vary, a consultation with our clinician is the first step. We will assess your suitability for implant placement and a treatment plan recommended.

 

Denture Stabilisation Explained

These implants are made from titanium alloy and inserted into the jawbone, allowing integration with the bone to take place.

New or existing dentures will sit comfortably over the implants during the healing process The procedure is minimally invasive and performed in the dental surgery under local anaesthesia. After treatment a mild painkiller may be taken if there is any discomfort, but this will soon pass and a soft diet can be eaten within hours of leaving the dental surgery.
 

Why Have Stabilising Dental Implants?
Ball Type Implants

provide greater stabil-

isation of the denture,

improving appearance,

confidence & security

A majority of people

suffer a great deal of

discomfort from

wearing loose or ill-

fitting dentures. As a

result, many withdraw

from any type of social

engagement, leaving them with reduced confidence and low self-esteem.

Successful placement of Ball Type Implants address and resolve the social and practical problems that loose or ill-fitting dentures can cause. Ball Type Implants provide greater stabilisation of the denture, improving appearance, confidence and security allowing a more enhanced way of life. For many years Ball Type Implants have been used to stabilise dentures and proven to be highly successful.


What About Dental Implant Aftercare?

As with natural teeth, implants will require very thorough cleaning for best results.

Daily cleaning requires removing the denture and brushing around the implants to remove any food or plaque. Brushing also stimulates blood flow and promotes healthy gum tissue. Complying with the dentist’s post-operative instructions and maintaining dental hygiene are important factors in ensuring long-term success of the treatment.

Great Bookham Dental Implant Centre denture stabilise
Great Bookham Dental Implant Centre illustration

Our Team

Dentists

Mr Nilesh Patel

BDSU Lond. LDSRCS 1984

Mr Nigel Stretch

BDSU Lond. LDSRCS 1970

Dental Hygienist/Therapist

Germaine Farrelly EDH/EDT 1996

Vivien Doran

Practice Manager

Trudy Garred

Make an Appointment

1 The Garstons

Great Bookham

Surrey

KT23 3DT

Tel: 01372 454355

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday

8.30am - 5.00pm

© Great Bookham Dental Practice 2013

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