What is a Dental Implant?

Typesetting Industry What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implant treatment provides a genuine life-changing solution to many dental problems and is one of the most exciting areas of modern dentistry to work in.

Replacing missing teeth

The loss or damage of even a single tooth can have a huge impact on everyday life, teeth function and self-esteem. People lose their teeth for many reasons, sometimes due to an accident, illness or poor maintenance. Other people simply inherit poor teeth. Whatever the reasons for tooth loss, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. You may no longer eat many of the foods that you once enjoyed, you may be self-conscious about your appearance, you may stop smiling or you may experience pain from ill-fitting dentures.

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.

What does the treatment involve?

  • A titanium post is placed in the jaw bone to support a replacement tooth
  • This 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 is attached for a natural look
  • The artificial tooth is custom made to ensure the ideal colour, shape and size

Dental Implants offer some really exciting benefits to patients:

  • Restoring the mouth as closely as possible to its natural state
  • Increasing comfort by eliminating loose fitting dentures
  • An end to restricting food choices due to loose fitting dentures
  • Avoid filing down healthy neighbouring teeth (as with a conventional bridge)
  • Preserve facial structure by virtually stopping deterioration of the jaw
  • Providing a more natural smile and improving appearance and self-esteem

Dental Implant results before and after

Before Dental Implants

After Dental Implants

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

After Dental Implants

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 the benefits of dental implants?

  • Prevention of bone loss, implants preserve facial appearance in many patients.
  • No need to cut down or damage adjacent teeth to support the new teeth. Dental implants are therefore a non-destructive dental procedure
  • Improved confidence in chewing: no more embarrassing moments with loose dentures, no more dental glue or soft liners. You can, once again, eat those foods that you love but may have been unable to eat.
  • Comfort: dental implants feel like your natural teeth.

Will I have a gap in my smile whilst the implants are healing?

In a lot of cases, it may be possible to attach temporary tooth/teeth to the implants on the day of surgery. If this is too risky then we will provide an acceptable temporary replacement during the healing period so you don’t have a gap. The healing period takes 3-6 months in most cases. Healing may take longer in some specific cases. We will discuss this with you before we start treatment.

Are there any down sides to dental implant treatment?

These are the same as normal dental surgery: possible bleeding, bruising, swelling, discomfort and infection. Any tendency for bruising or swelling is reduced by the use of ice packs after the procedure. Any discomfort is usually well controlled with mild pain-killers such as Ibuprofen. Infection is extremely rare. Most patients are fine to go back to work, study, life, within about 2-3 days. Failure of the dental implant soon after it is placed is very rare (1%) assuming a premium-branded implant is used. Patients who are smokers and those with a history of gum disease or diabetes are at a slightly increased risk of failure. We will design a personalised plan to minimise this risk.

How do I know if I’m suitable for dental implants?

In general, everyone is suitable for dental implants as long as you have stopped growing, so over 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit. Some medical conditions e.g. bleeding disorders such as haemophilia make all surgery very difficult. As long as you have a stable medical history, are a non-smoker and are fit enough to keep your mouth open, dental implants are possible. We may need to increase the amount of bone present at the position the implant is to be placed, called Bone Grafting. This can usually be done when the implant is placed or occasionally before placement.

Is dental implant treatment painful?

No. Implants are usually placed after making the gums numb with a local anaesthetic. Most single tooth replacements can be done in an hour. If required, we can organise sedation or general anaesthesia. This isn’t necessary for a lot of patients.

What does teeth-in-a-day mean?

This is a procedure where teeth are extracted and a crown, bridge or denture is attached to the implant on the same day. Note that this term can be misleading as there would usually be a number of appointments before surgery for consultation, impressions and x-rays and other preparatory procedures. Teeth-in-Day refers to the day of surgery. We offer this type of treatment.

How long do Implants last for?

Natural teeth need regular maintenance with a hygienist and dentist - the same is true of dental implants. Our treatment plans will include information about your personalised maintenance needs. This will include brushing twice a day and cleaning with floss and interdental brushes. Most scientific studies show that the majority of implants are still functioning very well after 10-15 years, so long as they are well looked after like natural teeth. Assuming you strictly adhere to our maintenance regime, your implants should last a long time.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

At your consultation for Dental Implants in Oxford, one of our team will discuss with you in detail, your particular concerns about your tooth or teeth and will carry out a thorough examination with appropriate x-rays, if necessary, in order to arrive at a proper diagnosis. The dentist will then discuss with you in detail, different treatment options and associated costs and the time commitments involved with different implant treatments, if dental implants are applicable to your case. This discussion will be summarised and sent to you for your further consideration.

How are the fees for Dental Implants paid?

After your initial visit a plan of treatment will be devised and fees determined.

Do you want more information about Dental Implants in Reading?

Download our free information guide.

Download Guide

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 Earley Dental & Implants in Reading, .

Booking a Dental Implant Consultation

Book a Dental Implant Video Consultation or book an in-practice appointment with our Reading dentists by calling: 0118 966 9134 or email [email protected]

Get in Touch
Get in Touch 0118 966 9134

In submitting this form I agree to being contacted by the practice and to the Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy .