Implant Dentistry

Who may be treated?

Dental implants are increasingly becoming the treatment of choice for tooth replacement in many people. There are very few absolute contra-indications for implant treatment and the majority of patients in good general health can benefit from this technology. Young people who have not finished growing are usually best advised to delay having implants until they have finished growing but there is no upper age limit for treatment. It is important that implants are placed in a healthy mouth and your implant surgeon will assess your mouth and advise if any other treatment is advisable before embarking upon implant treatment.

Implants provide a means of tooth replacement that is as close to a natural tooth as currently possible and which can last as long as your natural dentition.

Individuals who may particularly benefit from implant treatment include:

People who have lost their teeth due to trauma, decay, gum disease or failed dental restorations.

Individuals whose teeth have failed to develop.

Denture-wearers who have difficulty eating or who find their dentures are easily displaced.

Implants were originally conceived as replacements for teeth that had been missing for some time and were therefore placed into already healed sites. In recent years the immediate replacement of teeth using implants has become possible but is not recommended in all situations.

How is your implant fitted? 

Surgical Stage:

Implant surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic, although sedation can be arranged for long or complex procedures or according to patient preference.

Implant placement can be performed as a one stage or two stage procedure. In single stage surgery the implants are placed into the jaw and then either restored temporarily or more usually left to integrate with the jaw for up to three months. During this healing phase a small stud is left protruding through the gum. When using a two-stage approach the implant is buried under the gum to protect the healing process - this is often the case if bone grafting techniques have to be used to enable implant placement. Once the implants have integrated with the bone a simple surgical procedure is required to uncover the implant to bring it back through the gum.

Restorative Phase:

This phase involves the recording of impressions and relationship between the opposing jaws before making the final prosthesis. This may take several appointments over a number of weeks depending on the complexity of the case. At all restorative stages patient requirements are considered and patients are encouraged to have input into the final result. In cases where there has been significant change to the tooth bearing area advanced grafting techniques and/or restorative procedures can be undertaken to optimise the final result.

Your treatment and care is of the utmost importance to us and we tailor all treatment plans to your needs. To find out more, call us at Warwick Lodge Specialist Centre or arrange an appointment with us.