Dental Implants

If you are constantly distressed by your denture that won’t stay put or want to replace your missing tooth with an option that is second-best to your tooth, we, at Morris House Dental Surgery, will suggest that you go for dental implants.

What is a dental implant and when do you need one?

An implant is a prosthesis that helps restore the structure and function of the organ where it is placed. For instance, a heart implant helps regulate heartbeat. Similarly, a dental implant helps restore the functionality of your teeth.

A dental implant is quite a versatile prosthesis that can function according to the need. It can

replace a single missing tooth
support a long-span dental bridge
help stabilize partial and complete dentures
support other facial prostheses.

A dental implant broadly consists of three components. The implant itself, an abutment and the crown. The implant is a metallic(predominantly titanium) screw-like structure that is drilled into the jaw bone using special dental instruments. It functions similar to the root part of a natural tooth. The crown part of the implant is the one that is visible in the oral cavity and resembles the natural tooth in shape, size and color. The function of the abutment is to connect the crown to the implant.

What does the procedure for getting an implant involve?

Step 1

Once your dentist at Morris House Dental Surgery gives you a thumbs-up for the procedure, after your comprehensive oral examination, s/he will prepare you for the surgery. Your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the jaw in which the implant will be placed. However, you may opt for general anaesthesia to make you more comfortable and less anxious during the surgery.

Step 2

Your dentist will use dental drills to place the implant into the jaw bone. Once the implant has been placed, the surgical site is cleaned, the gums are sutured/stitched and a small cap called a healing cap is placed onto the implant.

Step 3

Now your dentist will wait for the implant to fuse or integrate with the bone. This duration varies anywhere in-between two and four months and in the meanwhile, a temporary crown may be advised by your dentist at Morris House Dental Surgery.

Step 4

Once the implant is ready to take the load, the dental crown, dental bridge, or prosthesis is attached to it.

What are the risk factors associated with the procedure?

Since the procedure is a surgical one, there are some risks associated with it such as those of infection and excessive bleeding.

Apart from these, once the implant is functional, it is imperative that you maintain excellent oral hygiene. If it is compromised even slightly, the implant is likely to get infected by the oral bacteria resulting in implant failure. Therefore, brush twice daily and floss regularly to avoid such complications.

Can anyone get a dental implant?

While we would like everyone to have the privilege of getting a dental implant, it is not always the case. Medically compromised individuals suffering from uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases and respiratory diseases will need a detailed examination. They may have to undergo tests prescribed by their dentist at Morris House Dental Surgery to be eligible for dental implant placement.

Another factor that is crucial is the health of your jaw bone. If the amount or density of bone is found lacking, you will need another surgery for placing a bone graft in the area before placing an implant.

If you would like to have a brand new smile using dental implants or would like to get rid of the hassle associated with the use of loose dentures just request an appointment with us by calling us today on 020 8808 4011.

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Address

Waltheof Gardens
London N17 7EB

Phone

020 8808 4011