What is a Dental Implant?

Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental implant treatment provides a genuine life-changing solution to many dental problems and is one of the most exciting areas of modern dentistry. Our experienced team always recommend replacing a tooth wherever necessary and possible.

This is because missing teeth can lead to many other oral health issues, as well as having a serious effect on a patient’s confidence and ability to eat freely. Visit us at Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants in Reading, Berkshire, to find out more about dental implant treatment.

What is Dental Implant treatment?

  • A titanium post is placed in the jaw bone to support a permanent, replacement tooth. The post, or implant, acts like the root of a natural tooth.
  • The implant is usually left for some weeks to allow the bone to form a strong bond to the implant.
  • Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an artificial tooth or crown is colour matched to your natural teeth and attached to the implant.
  • The artificial tooth is custom made to ensure the ideal colour, shape and size.
  • Dental implants are a lasting solution to tooth loss and can be used in both aesthetic and functional treatments. Whether you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, or would like a secure option to anchor dentures, dental implants could be the best solution.

Dental Implant Benefits

  • Restoring the mouth as closely as possible to its natural state.
  • Increasing comfort by eliminating loose fitting dentures that rub and avoiding the embarrassment of dentures moving around in your mouth.
  • An end to restricting food choices due to loose fitting dentures, you can eat what you like again including steak and crunchy foods.
  • Avoid filing or cutting down healthy neighbouring teeth as support, which is the case with a conventional bridge.
  • Preserve facial structure by virtually stopping deterioration of the jaw and bone loss.
  • Providing a more natural smile and improving appearance and self-esteem.

Dental Implant results before and after

Before Dental Implants

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After Dental Implants

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comma

Thank you Dr. Dhami for a very straightforward and professional approach to my tooth implant. The explanation and the procedure were first class.

Z. Flores

Before Dental Implants

what-is-a-dental-implant

After Dental Implants

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comma

Service was excellent from start to finish. Everything was explained from the start and what to expect. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend getting new teeth! Thank you for your help. I can smile big again!

Patient J

Dental Implant FAQs

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The replacement teeth or crowns that are attached to the implants are custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of the patient’s natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile.

Who is a candidate for dental implants? Most adults who are in good general health and have sufficient bone density in their jaw are candidates for dental implants. However, a thorough evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon is necessary to determine if implants are the right option for an individual.

What is the difference between titanium and zirconia dental implants? Titanium dental implants are the most commonly used type of implants and have been proven to be safe and effective for decades. Zirconia implants are a newer alternative made of ceramic material that may offer certain aesthetic advantages and biocompatibility for patients with metal allergies. Your dentist can help you choose the best type of implant for your needs.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on factors such as the number of implants needed, the type of implant, and any additional procedures required. For more information on our fees please contact the practice and one of our friendly team will be on hand to help. If you have missing or failing teeth why not book a dental implant consultation at Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants and if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants we can give you a bespoke price for your treatment.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

The dental implant process typically involves multiple stages and can take several months to complete. After the initial consultation and treatment planning, the surgical placement of the implants usually takes one to two hours per implant. Following implant placement, there is a healing period of several months during which the implants fuse with the jawbone before the final restoration can be placed.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, factors such as oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and overall health can affect the longevity of implants.

What is the success rate of dental implants? The success rate of dental implants is generally very high, with studies reporting success rates of over 95% for implant placement. Factors that can affect the success rate include the patient’s overall health, oral hygiene habits, and the skill and experience of the dentist performing the procedure.

Dental implants have been used for decades and are considered a safe and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, such as infection or implant failure, which are rare but possible.

What’s the difference between dental implants and dentures?

Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth that are anchored into the jawbone, whereas dentures are removable appliances that sit on top of the gums. Implants offer greater stability and functionality compared to dentures and do not require adhesives or special cleaning solutions.

Some advantages of dental implants include improved stability and durability compared to other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. Implants also help preserve jawbone density and prevent bone loss, and they don’t require alteration of adjacent teeth like bridges do.

Can dental implants be done in one day?

In some cases, a procedure known as “same-day implants” or “teeth-in-a-day implants” may allow for the placement of dental implants and the attachment of temporary teeth on the same day as implant surgery. However, not all patients are candidates for this approach, and traditional implant procedures typically involve a healing period of several months before the final restoration can be placed.

What is the All-on-4 dental implant procedure?

The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is a technique used to replace an entire arch of teeth with just four strategically placed implants. This approach eliminates the need for individual implants for each missing tooth and allows for the immediate attachment of a fixed prosthesis or denture on the same day as implant surgery.

How long does it take for dental implants to heal?

The healing process for dental implants can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s overall health, bone density, and the complexity of the implant procedure. In general, it takes about 3 to 6 months for the implants to fully integrate with the jawbone and for the surrounding tissues to heal before the final restoration can be placed.

How do I look after my dental implants?

Dental implants require regular oral hygiene care, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, just like natural teeth. However, special care may be needed to clean around the implants and maintain their longevity. Your Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants in Reading Common will provide specific instructions on how to care for your dental implants.

How many dental implants can I have?

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth. The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is a technique used to replace an entire arch of teeth with just four strategically placed implants. Implant-supported bridges or dentures can also be used to replace multiple teeth in a row, providing a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss.

How do I choose a dentist for dental implants?

When choosing a dentist for dental implants, it’s important to look for a provider who is experienced and qualified in implant dentistry. Ask about the dentist’s training, experience, and success rate with implant procedures, and consider reading patient reviews or asking for recommendations from friends or family members.

What’s the difference between a general dentist and a prosthodontist for dental implants? While both general dentists and prosthodontists can perform dental implant procedures, a prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone additional training and education in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists often have more experience and expertise in complex dental implant cases and may be better equipped to handle advanced implant procedures.

Are dental implants painful?

The procedure for dental implants is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so patients may feel some discomfort during the surgery but should not experience pain. After the procedure, mild soreness and discomfort are common, but pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

What are the risks of dental implants?

Although dental implants are generally safe, like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Risks may include infection, nerve damage, implant failure, and complications such as peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant). However, these risks are rare and can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced dentist.

Can dental implants fail? While dental implant failure is rare, it can occur in some cases. Factors that can contribute to implant failure include poor oral hygiene, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, inadequate bone density, and certain medical conditions. However, with proper care and maintenance, the risk of implant failure can be minimized.

Can smokers get dental implants?

While smoking can increase the risk of complications and implant failure, smokers can still be candidates for dental implants. However, it’s important for smokers to stop or reduce smoking both before and after implant surgery to improve the chances of success.

Can dental implants be done if I have gum disease?

Gum disease can affect the success of dental implants, as it can lead to bone loss and compromise the stability of the implants. However, in some cases, implant placement may be possible after treating and controlling the gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a candidate for implants.

Can dental implants be done if I have osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, can affect the success of dental implants by reducing bone density and compromising the stability of the implants. However, with proper treatment and management of osteoporosis, dental implant placement may still be possible. Your dentist will evaluate your bone health and determine if you’re a candidate for implants.

Can dental implants be done if I have diabetes?

Diabetes can affect the success of dental implants by impairing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk of infection and implant failure. However, with proper management of diabetes and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, dental implant placement may still be possible. Your dentist will evaluate your overall health and determine if you are a candidate for implants.

Can dental implants be done if I have had radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy to the head and neck region can affect the success of dental implants by reducing blood flow and compromising the healing process. However, with careful planning and coordination with the patient’s oncologist, dental implant placement may still be possible following radiation therapy. Your dentist will evaluate your medical history and determine if you are a candidate for implants.

Do you want more information about Dental Implants in reading?

  • The Association of Dental Implantology (UK) https://www.adi.org.uk provides a lot more information.
  • To see if implants are appropriate for you, and to answer any questions you may have, please arrange an implant consultation at Puresmile Reading Dental & Implants in Reading.

Booking a Dental Implant Consultation

Book a Dental Implant Consultation with our Reading dental team by calling: 0118 9507229 or email [email protected]

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