Implants for Replacing a Single Tooth
Losing a tooth can be devastating. You can feel self-conscious and suffer a lack of self-esteem.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that integrates perfectly into your gum tissue, just where the root of your tooth would sit. Here’s how it works:
- The screw will be surgically placed directly into your jaw by your dentist. Its shape and material are optimal for close contact and ultimately fusion with bone, providing maximum stability later on.
- Depending on the condition of your mouth and jawbone, the implant ‘abutment’ (the crown or bridge that fits onto the screw) may be added immediately after the screw is inserted, or sometimes it may be added at a later date. It will blend in perfectly with your natural teeth in colour and shape.
- Either way, there will be some healing time. The screw will slowly mesh with the bone, becoming a natural component of your jaw.
Your implant will look and feel exactly like a normal tooth: no one will ever know, and even you might forget! You will still be able to bite and chew normally, and the bone in your jaw will remain intact over time.
Single Implant
Life benefits:
- A beautiful, natural smile that is all your own.
- The reassuring knowledge that your implant will last you a lifetime if properly cared for.
- Full function restored, which means freedom for you.
- Bone density will be maintained and so will the integral structure of your face.
Single Implant - Osstem - Zirconia crown
The Experience
Having dental implant treatment can be a life-changing experience. Our patients often comment about how different they feel when they look at their smiles in the mirror and many are surprised by how easy it is to bite and chew foods that they had previously avoided.
- Depending on your dentition, you may require a bone graft to prepare the implant site a few months before they can be placed.
- The surgery itself is usually done in the dental chair and although you will feel some pressure on your gums during the procedure, you will not feel any pain due to local anaesthesia. Our skilled team will make every effort to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout.
- Once placed, you will need to take extra care of your teeth and gums to ensure they remain healthy and free of dental decay or gum diseases. It is important to understand that your implant will have to be looked after as if it was a natural tooth and that infections can arise if the proper regular hygiene is not carried out. With the help of our team you will be guided on how to best look after your implant so you can enjoy your new smile for years to come.