What does the treatment involve?

Dental implants are usually completed in two phases.

Phase 1:

This is the actual implant placement, a process generally performed in the dental practice with local anesthesia or light sedation to help make the patient more comfortable. Using precise, gentle surgical techniques, the implants are placed into the jawbone. This is allowed to heal for 3 to 6 months while osseointegration (bonding to bone) takes place. This helps ensure a strong, solid foundation for replacement teeth. During this time, temporary bridges or dentures may be used to minimize any cosmetic or chewing inconvenience.

Phase 2:

This involves creating and attaching the new tooth or teeth to the anchored implant(s) in your jaw. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or complete dentures. Your dentist can recommend the best choice for you.

How successful is the treatment?

Implant Dentistry is a tried and tested treatment and 90% of modern implants last for at least 10 years. They are firmly secured to bone, and as with natural teeth require thorough cleaning. If this is not carried out then you may experience problems similar to that of gum disease with infection around the implant resulting in bone loss, loosening and failure. Cleaning around implants is no more difficult than cleaning your natural teeth and we will strongly advise all patients to see the hygienist on a regular basis to maintain the healthy status of the implant and the rest of the teeth and gums.

On the rare occasion that integration does not occur and the implant is loosening, then it can be easily removed and the site allowed to heal, with placement of another implant at a later stage.

Telephone: +44(0)207 937 9000