01206 574 011
3 The Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3PA

Dental Implants

At the Art of Dentistry we are pleased to work alongside a local specialist in the placement of dental implants. Following surgery we are able to fit, finish and maintain your implants.

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Do you struggle with uncomfortable, loose or highly noticeable dentures? Would you like a more secure, comfortable and attractive long-term alternative?

Perhaps you are keen to restore your smile- replacing one or more missing teeth so that you can smile, eat and talk more confidently?

If so, dental implants could be the perfect option for you.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a highly successful way of replacing a natural tooth. The implant effectively mimics your natural tooth making use of a strong, titanium screw which is inserted into the gum. Once implanted in the jaw your natural bone grows onto the surfaces of the implant fusing it to the surrounding bone- creating a solid and strong base.

A natural looking manufactured crown or bridge is then attached to the implant- blending in beautifully with your existing teeth.

For many people, dental implants are a safe, long-term solution to help restore their smile and greatly improve quality of life.

Why replace a missing tooth?

The loss of one or more teeth can have a considerable impact not just on your everyday life but on your dental health too. When chewing food, your healthy teeth naturally strengthen your jawbone, however in those places where teeth are missing the jawbone can start to shrink because it is no longer being stimulated. In time, this can cause sagging- leading to premature ageing of the skin on your face- particularly if you have a number of teeth missing.

As well as this, your teeth all form part of an intricate structure with each sitting alongside the other ensuring they all stay in line- gaps can mean that other teeth start to move or twist. Food can also get trapped in the spaces potentially causing tooth decay and gum disease.

The benefits of dental implants

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can have a number of benefits:

  • While dentures can move around in your mouth causing discomfort, implants stay in place – meaning they are very comfortable.
  • They will help improve your overall oral health- preventing remaining teeth from moving and any food getting stuck and causing decay and gum disease.
  • Dental implants help to protect the jawbone.
  • Dental implants can help to greatly improve speech and your ability to eat.
  • Dental implants do not affect remaining teeth in any way (unlike bridges which require grinding of the anchor teeth).
  • Your dental implants will help to improve self-confidence allowing you to feel comfortable in your own skin and able to live life to the full.
  • Dental implants are very well-established. They are a safe and highly effective long-term option to the replacement of missing teeth.
  • They can be used to replace one, several or even all of your teeth if required.

Can anyone have a dental implant?

Dental implants can be an ideal option for many people- no matter their age, the condition of their teeth or the number that need to be replaced.
A good standard of general health is important as this will contribute to the chances of successful surgery. Patients with diabetes or who are heavy smokers have a greater risk of developing gum disease or infections and therefore may not be suitable candidates for surgery.

Healthy gums and jawbone are most important when considering dental implants in a particular patient.

If you have had issues with gum disease in the past don’t despair. Bone grafting can be used in those patients who have less bone volume due to past gum disease while a sinus lift can help to rebuild any missing bone on the back of the upper jaw.

Healing time will be required following either of these procedures before your implants can be fitted.

After surgery

Remember to look after your implants well- It’s important to keep them clean with gentle brushing after surgery. Implants can develop a coat of residue (like plaque on your natural teeth) which can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and discomfort.

How long does the process take?

Where the insertion of implants is relatively straight forward it usually only takes around 15 minutes. Following this, the implants will require some time to integrate with the jaw bone. This can take between 3 and 6 months depending on where they have been fitted.

If necessary, a temporary restoration or full dentures can be worn throughout the recovery process. Each treatment is unique and your requirements will be discussed with you prior to commencement. Long term care is vital and regular check-ups and other maintenance will be scheduled as required.

How long will they last?

Over 95% of implants are successful and with good levels of oral health and regular long-term care they can last for 15 years or more.