London cosmetic dentistry

Archive for the ‘Dental Implants’ Category

London dentist monitors patient for side effects of dental implant

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Dental implants are one of the most popular and realistic ways of replacing missing teeth. The procedure involves screwing small titanium screws into the jawbone to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth. The treatment is the only dental replacement that replaces the whole tooth and gives the patient relief from the anxiety of missing teeth and temporary replacements.

For dental implants into the upper arc the success rate for surgery is around 91 per cent and for the bottom dental arc about 98 per cent making them some of the most successful dental procedures. However there are some side effects and occasionally treatment may be unsuccessful.

It may be possible to develop an infection if the implant or materials are contaminated. Although this is unlikely it is possible and will need to be monitored after surgery. The side effects of an infection can be quite painful and unpleasant so it really is worth keeping a close eye out for symptoms of infection. It must be stated that infections occur in a tiny fraction of all cases.

Other side effects of dental implants include some bruising and swelling after the implant. This will vary for different patients but will usually disappear naturally soon after the treatment. Dental implants from a London dentist are still one of the safest and best ways to replace a missing tooth. Speak to your dentist for more information about the procedure.

Cost and treatment time of dental implant from London dentist

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

A dental implant is the most realistic and permanent way of replacing a missing tooth. It is the only kind of dental replacement that replaces the whole of the tooth, including the root, to provide the most stable and realistic alternative. Because dental implants replace the whole tooth they are often a little more expensive and take a little longer to fit than other dental substitutes but they are the only replacement that will last for the rest of your life.

Other dental prosthetics such as partial dentures and even dental bridges will last between ten and twenty years depending on how they are cared for. An implant is a completely permanent restoration that carries out all the functions of a real tooth. It alleviates any anxiety that the replacement may break and allows patients to eat exactly what they want.

The implant itself is a small titanium screw that is drilled into a hole in the jawbone itself. This sounds like a more unpleasant procedure than it actually is. Once secure, it is left for a number of weeks or months, depending on the patient, so that it can fuse with bone and muscle tissue to feel exactly like a real tooth root. This process is called osseointergration and is the secret behind the solidity of a dental implant. A post and artificial tooth are the attached to the implant. The whole process will take a few months from start to finish but the results are well worth the added time of treatment.

Dental implants from a London dentist vary according to the nature of treatment required. Although more expensive than a dental bridge or denture. An implant will never need replacing and is far less likely to break than a less permanent replacement.

How to tell if you are suitable for a dental implant at London dentist

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Over the last few years, dental implants have replaced dental bridges and partial dentures as the dental replacement of choice. This is because unlike all the other dental substitutes, a dental implant replaces the whole tooth from root to crown. This gives the patient a more realistic feeling and also provides an added degree of security that can be missing from other dental replacements.

The dental implant itself is a small titanium screw that is anchored directly into the jawbone to act as a base for an artificial tooth. Once drilled into the bone the implant needs to be left for several weeks or even months in order to fuse with the bone and gum tissue. This process is called osseointergration and is crucial to the success of the treatment. For osseointergration to be completely successful, the patient needs to have a sufficiently strong jawbone and gum tissue. This can mean that some patients are not suitable for the treatment especially if they have very bad gum tissue or the missing tooth is the result of a physical trauma which also damaged the tooth socket and jawbone.

In cases where trauma has damaged the jaw it is possible to undergo a bone and tissue graft in order to restore the structure before fitting the implant. This will add a considerable time to the length of treatment however but ultimately the results will be worth it. Dental implants can last a lifetime if you are a suitable candidate and remove the anxiety that can occur when using other dental substitutes. Make an appointment with a London dentist to see if you are suitable for a dental implant.

Benefits of a dental implant from Central London dentist

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

A dental implant is a form of restorative dental treatment used to replace teeth lost during a physical trauma such as a car accident, or due to dental problems such as decay. There are many methods of replacing missing teeth available at Central London dentists and all are important to prevent the risk of further damage, to stop any unwanted movement of teeth and to enable patients to live as normal a life as possible. However, many dentists and even more patients feel that a dental implant has several key benefits over the other forms of restoration.

The first major benefit of the implant is that it is much more solid than a dental bridge or partial denture. Because the implant replaces the root of the tooth, an implant feels and acts a lot more like a real tooth. In other replacements it is only the crown portion of the tooth that is replaced so this can be fragile and cause problems when eating food that is very hard or chewy. An implant is screwed directly into the jawbone so it provides a solid base for the dental crown, meaning patients are free to eat what they want, when they want.

This also provides reassurance and confidence tot the patient to an extent that a dental bridge cannot. Patients with bridges are always very aware of the fragility of their replacement, which can cause unnecessary anxiety. There is no need to worry about teeth slipping out or cracking when you have a dental implant.

Dental implants are also incredibly inconspicuous and almost impossible to tell apart from real teeth. Again this is not the case with other dental substitutes like partial dentures. Dental implants can also last a lifetime, significantly longer than a bridge or denture which will last between ten and fifteen years on average.

Dental implants fitted by Central London dentist

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws fixed directly into the jaw to act as a solid base for an artificial tooth, replacing a tooth that is missing due to dental trauma or decay. They can be used to attach one or more teeth, or in a series of five can be used as a secure base to attach dentures.

Who do dental implants benefit?

Dental implants are ideal for patients with missing teeth who have otherwise healthy jawbones and teeth in generally good condition. Patients who don’t have a suitable jawbone can have additional graft surgery to strengthen the bone, or could benefit form other dental substitutions such as dental bridges or partial dentures.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are much more sturdy and realistic then other dental restorations. Because the implant replaces the tooth root, the whole tooth is being replaced rather than just the crown. This makes a dental implant feel more like a real tooth and also act like one. Unlike with other restorations, implants allow patients to eat whatever they want without the anxiety of breaking the implant. For denture wearers, implants remove the anxiety of loose dentures and the need for messy adhesives.

How long is treatment?

The initial implant can be fixed in one session but it will need several weeks or months to fuse with the bone and soft tissue. During this time the dentist may attach a temporary crown. When fusion has taken place, a post is attached to the implant and finally a porcelain crown. In all, two or three appointments are needed to replace the missing tooth but they may be spread out over some time. Once fixed, a dental implant can last a lifetime if properly cared for.

Is a dental implant painful?

The actual surgery is carried out under anaesthetic so it will not hurt. Some patients may experience some mild discomfort for a few days after initial surgery but this will wear off naturally.

Dental implant surgery is available from all Central London dentists and the costs vary depending on the nature of treatment. Make an appointment to discover more details about dental implants.

Dental implants from London dentist best choice to replace missing teeth

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Did you know that a dental implant could be the best option to replace a missing tooth? Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone itself to provide a realistic and tooth-like level of security rather than resting on the gum like other dental substitutions. An implant from a London dentist is therefore a more long-term solution to a missing tooth.

Missing teeth need to be replaced for a number of cosmetic and wider health issues. A gap in the dental arc can be the cause behind dental infections and decay, bite problems and painful jaw conditions such as bruxism and TMJ. Replacing the tooth as soon as possible is always a good idea to prevent it causing you any further dental complications.

Statistics in the UK show that over two thirds of adults over the age of forty have lost at least one tooth to decay or accident. By the age of 75, a quarter of all people have lost all their natural teeth. More temporary or unfixed solutions such as dental bridges and dentures can perform a cosmetic role but they are really only band-aids for the actual missing tooth. A dental implant actually strives to replace the whole structure of the tooth for the patient’s peace of mind and to remove the need for messy adhesives. Dental implants are also so strong that they do not inhibit the eating of certain tougher foods that can be the case with more fragile substitutes.

A dental implant comes in the form of a small titanium screw that is drilled into the jawbone through the gum. Given time, the bone and gum tissue will fuse to the implant making it solid and ready to receive an artificial tooth. When this is attached, the patient will have the secure feeling of a real tooth that is only achievable with anchored dental implants.

Secure dentures with mini-implants from London dentist

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

For denture wearers one of the main concerns can be the fear of them falling out at an inopportune moment. Dentures should be held in by suction alone, but if they are ill fitting this is very often not the case. The structure of the gums is often changed by wearing dentures which means that the suction is lost and the dentures begin to feel loose. This leads many patients to use dental adhesive strips or gels, which secure dentures but are also very messy and can prohibit the eating of certain foods. They are also a lot of fuss and involve a great deal of extra cleaning.

There is now another alternative for patients who are concerned about loose dentures and one that offers a permanent solution. Mini-implants can be secured into the jawbone itself and used to anchor the dentures. This new solution provides extra security and removes the need for messy adhesives giving the denture wearer the confidence to carry on with their life without having to worry about their teeth.

About 1.8 millimetres thick, mini-implants are roughly the same width as a toothpick and require only minimal surgery to fix them to the jawbone. In most instances each set of dentures will require six implants. These will be drilled into the jawbone and secured and then left for two to three weeks to allow the bone and gum tissue to fuse to the implant in a process called osseointergration.

The dentist will then be able to fix metal wells and clips into the patients dentures which allow them to snap on and off to the implants. The clips can even be fitted to the patient’s existing dentures which keeps the cost of treatment down. Once secured, the dentures allow the wearer the complete freedom to sit down and enjoy whatever meal they choose without having to worry about their dentures.

Losing your teeth can be an embarrassing and painful experience but with the advent of new denture technology such as mini-implants there is no need why this pain and anxiety has to continue. Mini-implants allow denture wearers to relax and enjoy life as if they had their own teeth, free form the worry of embarrassment. Ask a London dentist about the benefits of mini-implants at your next check up.

Missing tooth replaced with realistic dental implant from City of London dentist

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Having a missing tooth or teeth can be the source of great embarrassment and the root of self-confidence and esteem issues. After all, we all want to have a perfect smile and a missing tooth is a definite barrier to that, but a missing tooth can have other health implications beyond the psychological.

If there is a tooth missing in the dental arc it can cause all the other teeth to lean into the space. This can cause alignment issues that can also affect bite, causing irritation and the development of painful jaw conditions called TMJ. It can also be the case that a missing tooth can cause sagging of the facial tissue. Teeth act as rigid supports for the facial muscles and if they are missing the muscles can lapse giving a sunken and unhealthy appearance to the face. Therefore it is important to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible to limit the effects of a missing tooth.

There are several options for patients with missing teeth. A dental bridge or partial denture provide a more flexible and short-term solution to a missing tooth but many patients find these too flimsy or unstable to be comfortable. One form of artificial tooth provides a stable and realistic replacement for a real tooth and as such is increasingly becoming the choice of substitute for patients. A dental implant is a solid metal screw that is secured directly into the jawbone, to which an artificial crown is attached. Because the implant is anchored to the jaw itself it provides a level of stability second only to a real tooth. With the advances in ceramic technology, the attached crown can also be incredibly lifelike and does not prohibit the eating of certain foods like bridges or dentures.

Dental implants can usually be fitted in two or three sessions with the dentist. The screw will be implanted during the first session and then allowed to fuse with the bone and gum in a process called osseointergration. This usually takes two to three weeks before the remaining parts of the implant can be secured. If you are suffering the embarrassment of a missing tooth or are unhappy with an existing substitute, ask a City of London dentist about dental implants.

Secure dentures with mini implants from London dentist

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

A well-made and properly fitting denture should be secured by suction alone, but due to the absence of teeth the integrity of the jawbone deteriorates and the dentures begin to slip out of place. This can be a source of great embarrassment to denture wearers. After all, you wouldn’t want everyone to know you wear dentures. This leads many denture wearers to resort to using adhesive strips or gels. These can be messy and prohibit the eating of certain foods.

A recent technological breakthrough has offered a new alternative to suction and adhesive. Dentures can now be stabilised by using mini dental implants, or MDIs, that are anchored into the lower jawbone. The procedure takes little more than a couple of hours and many patients are stunned at the level of stability they can provide. No more worrying and anxiety that your dentures are going to slip out at an inopportune moment.

The implants are 1.8 millimetres thick (roughly the same as a wooden toothpick) and require minimal surgery to implant. Once the patient is anaesthetised, the dentist uses the drill to make holes for the implants. In most procedures there are six implants for each row of teeth. In most cases the patient does not even require a new set of dentures, as wells are simply made in their existing set. Clips are put into these wells that allow the dentures to snap on and off. This means the dentures are secured but can also be removed. The process is so simple that most patients are ready to enjoy an anxiety and pain-free dinner the same evening. Just imagine, all those hours of worry and stifling smiles could be over in just one afternoon. London dentists are available to offer advice to denture wearers and assess whether they are suitable candidates for these revolutionary new mini implants.

City of London dentist replaces missing tooth with dental implant

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

There are a number of dental procedures available to replace a missing tooth, but among the most realistic is a dental implant. Because it is anchored directly to the jawbone itself, it can offer a greater degree of stability than a dental bridge or conventional crown.

For patients with missing teeth, it can often be a great source of embarrassment that can affect self-confidence and cause self-esteem issues. This can be a significant hindrance, especially considering that smiling is one of the most effective ways of communicating emotions. A dental implant could be the answer when considering replacing a missing tooth.

The implant comes in the form of a small metal screw that is attached to the solid structure of the jaw. They are usually made from titanium or other metals of considerable strength suitable for use in the human body. It is this strength that makes them comparable to a real tooth. Dental implants have existed for some years but recent advances in technology have made them the option of choice for patients wanting to replace a missing tooth.

Once the screw is attached to the jaw it is left for approximately two weeks so that it has time to fuse with the bone and gums, in a process called osseointergration. When this has happened, the dentist will attach a post to the screw and then finally a solid crown to the screw. This added stability not only looks and feels more realistic but it can also help to prevent facial tissue sinking and profile loss, which can occur with other artificial teeth.

Dental implants are most suitable for patients who have existing strong bone structures and teeth, and so may not be suitable for all patients. Consult your City of London dentist and see if they can replace your missing tooth with a dental implant and you may be able to smile again with confidence.