Savouring time together with friends and family, being complimented for your healthy-looking teeth, or eating a terrific meal in a nice restaurant in Liverpool – these experiences are what we all relish in life. However, many people forgo the chance to enjoy themselves because they have missing teeth. While others believe that having dental implants is simply not an affordable option.
Fortunately, this is simply not true. If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth and you want to do something to rectify the situation, the answer could be a visit to your dentist for a dental implant.
Very similar to a natural tooth, a dental implant consists of a titanium implant that is fitted into the jawbone then a porcelain crown is placed on top thereby creating a natural-looking appearance and a very long-lasting result.
If you’re considering dental implants to address issues like gaps or missing teeth, it’s important to understand the different options available. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the choices:
Whether you need a simple fix or a complete dental makeover, understanding the types of dental implants can guide you towards the right solution for your smile. Be sure to consult with a dental professional to find the best option tailored to your needs.
There are a variety of benefits available to you should you wish to replace missing teeth with dental implants. Here we focus on the main ones.
When considering dental implants, understanding the distinct advantages of single tooth implants versus implants for multiple teeth is crucial. Here’s how they stand apart:
Natural Appearance: Single tooth implants are crafted to mirror the appearance of natural teeth seamlessly. With the right expertise, the implant integrates smoothly with your gum tissue, offering a life-like result.
Focused Restoration: By targeting only the missing tooth, single tooth implants preserve the integrity of adjacent healthy teeth, unlike traditional bridges that may require altering surrounding teeth.
Longevity and Durability: With proper care, these implants can last a lifetime, offering a robust and lasting solution to tooth loss.
Fewer Implants, More Teeth: When multiple teeth are missing, implant-retained bridges provide an efficient solution. You’ll need fewer implants to support several teeth, reducing overall surgical intervention.
Functionality Restored: Multiple teeth implants ensure that your ability to eat, speak, and chew remains uncompromised, much like having a full set of natural teeth.
Enhanced Stability: Unlike removable dentures, these fixed solutions offer greater comfort and stability, enhancing your quality of life without the worry of slippage.
Both single and multiple teeth implants provide robust, aesthetically pleasing options for dental restoration, with each type serving unique needs. Whether you’re replacing one tooth or many, these solutions offer significant, long-lasting benefits that go beyond mere appearance.
Experiencing problems with badly fitting dentures? Embarrassed by one or more missing teeth? Dental implants can be the answer to your problems.
Dental implants provide a permanent and highly workable solution in solving both of these issues.
When you have a missing tooth, it can greatly impact your self-esteem. With a dental implant in place, your self-confidence improves as does your overall quality of life.
Implants are suited to individuals of any age, providing that you are in generally good health. Getting implants does not depend on the condition of your teeth.
At Azure Dental Clinic, Liverpool there are a variety of treatments that we offer that will help to provide you with more self-confidence and improved quality of life.
For many, dental implants provide a much-needed safe and long-term fix. Dental implants are natural-looking and strong and they will feel as secure as your existing teeth.
It’s common knowledge that if you lose one or more teeth it can have a large impact on your daily life – on your self-confidence. However, did you know that the loss of one or more teeth can also affect your dental health as well?
Healthy teeth, when chewing food, will help in strengthening your jawbone. If teeth are missing, because the jawbone in those particular areas is no longer being stimulated, it can cause the bone to shrink.
Given time, this shrinking can lead to sagging skin, and that causes premature skin aging. Sagging and premature aging of the skin is all the more pronounced for people that have numerous teeth missing.
In addition, the teeth in your mouth make up part of a complex structure. One healthy tooth sits alongside another healthy tooth, and this ensures your teeth remain neatly aligned. If gaps in this alignment occur your teeth can begin to twist and move.
Particles of food are easily caught up in larger spaces between your teeth, and this can cause tooth decay as well as gum disease.
When considering options for replacing missing teeth, it’s important to weigh the benefits of dental implants against those of dental bridges. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
What They Are:
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. They serve as artificial roots for new teeth, providing a robust foundation.
Advantages:
Considerations:
What They Are:
Dental bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth on either side of the gap and anchoring a false tooth (or teeth) in between. This effectively bridges the gap from the missing teeth.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Deciding between dental implants and bridges often hinges on personal circumstances such as budget, time for recovery, and long-term dental health goals. For those seeking a lifelong solution with the added benefit of bone preservation, dental implants are often the preferred choice. Conversely, for a quicker, non-surgical solution, dental bridges might be more suitable.
Discuss with your dentist to evaluate your specific situation and receive a tailored recommendation.
A dental implant replaces the root belonging to a natural tooth. Implants also provide support to manufactured bridges and crowns.
There are two parts to a natural tooth – under the gum, you’ll find the root. The root holds your tooth in place. Then there’s the part of the tooth that you see inside your mouth. This part is referred to as the crown.
A dental implant replicates the structure of a natural tooth. The natural root is replaced by sturdy titanium while the crown (upper part of the tooth) is made from porcelain so that it looks just like a natural tooth.
There is a further reason that titanium is used in place of the natural root – it’s not merely because it’s a very strong substance. Once the titanium ‘root’ is implanted into the jawbone, the bone grows over the surface so the titanium effectively fuses with the bone. This, in turn, creates a very strong and solid base for the porcelain crown above.
Before your arrival, all aspects of the surgery are meticulously prepared to ensure a smooth experience. Some patients opt to be sedated when undertaking the more complex implant procedures, enhancing comfort, but this is entirely your decision. Once seated, your surgeon will walk you through the procedure, ensuring you’re fully informed and at ease.
The surgery begins with the application of a special anesthetic to numb the mouth completely, ensuring the treatment is completely pain free. As the procedure unfolds, relax in the knowledge that skilled professionals are managing the implant placement with precision. This process involves placing the titanium root into the jawbone, where it will ultimately integrate with the bone to form a robust foundation for the crown.
Dental implants are a significant investment in your oral health and can range widely in price. On average, a single tooth implant typically costs around £2,400. For more extensive restorative work, such as full mouth implants, prices can start from £15,995.
1. Implant Materials:
The implant itself, usually made from high-grade titanium, is a vital component. This metal is chosen for its ability to naturally integrate with bone, forming a stable base for the replacement tooth.
2. The Replacement Tooth:
Attached to the implant is the crown, which replaces the visible part of the tooth. Crowns are crafted from durable materials designed to mimic the natural look and feel of teeth. This artistry contributes significantly to the overall price.
3. Expertise and Clinic Resources:
A portion of the cost goes towards compensating your dental professional, who must possess specialised training and skills. Additionally, maintaining a state-of-the-art clinic equipped with the latest technology ensures a high standard of care and comfort.
Flexible Payment Options
Understanding the investment, many clinics offer flexible financing plans to help patients manage costs over time, making it less common to pay the entire amount upfront.
Considering these factors can help you appreciate the comprehensive care and quality involved, ensuring dental implants are a beneficial investment in your long-term oral health.
Dental implants are widely regarded as a safe and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. This procedure requires the expertise of highly qualified and skilled dental professionals to ensure the best outcomes. Although the success rate is high, some potential risks and complications can occur, just like with any surgery. It’s important to discuss these possibilities with your dentist during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.
Potential Risks Associated with Dental Implants
Bone Integration Issues: Successful integration of the implant with the jawbone is crucial. Problems can arise if the bone doesn’t heal properly around the implant, potentially leading to implant failure.
Restoration Quality: The new tooth must be restored to a high quality to ensure durability and aesthetics. Any issues here can affect the overall function and appearance.
Peri-implantitis: This is an infection similar to gum disease that occurs around the implant. It can cause inflammation and bone loss if not treated promptly.
Nerve Damage: Although rare, there’s a risk of nerve injury which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in surrounding areas.
Jaw and Bite Issues: Misalignment or incorrect placement can lead to problems with your bite or jaw discomfort.
Bleeding or Blood Vessel Damage: As with any surgery, there may be complications with bleeding or damage to nearby blood vessels.
Fit and Comfort Issues: In procedures like the ‘all-on-four’, poorly fitting dentures or replacement teeth can cause discomfort and instability.
While dental implants are considered safe, ensuring successful outcomes depends on the expertise of the dental team and understanding potential risks. Always have a detailed discussion with your dentist to address any concerns and understand the process thoroughly. By doing so, you ensure a safer and more successful implant experience.
Once the dental implant is securely anchored in the bone, the restoration process begins. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
Crown Placement Appointment: You’ll return to the clinic for the next step, where your dentist or a skilled implant specialist will focus on placing the crown, which acts as your new tooth.
Customisation of the Crown: Before placement, a consultation ensures the crown is customised to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth. This meticulous process guarantees a beautiful, natural-looking appearance.
Attachment: The dentist will attach the custom-made crown to the implant. This part of the procedure is crucial as it ensures that the crown fits securely and comfortably in your mouth.
Final Adjustments: After the crown is placed, any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure optimal function and comfort.
By the end of this process, patients can expect a durable, aesthetically pleasing restoration that blends seamlessly with their natural teeth.
To determine if dental implants are right for you, several factors need to be considered. Firstly, good oral health is essential. This includes healthy gums and sufficient jawbone thickness to support the implant. Your dentist will evaluate your sinusal anatomy as well, as it can influence the procedure’s success.
A dentist will make a decision about whether dental implants are suitable mainly depending on the health of your gums and your jawbone.
For individuals that have suffered from a prior gum disease resulting in there being less bone volume available, it is possible to undergo a process known as bone grafting. This procedure can enhance the jawbone’s density, potentially making dental implants a viable option for more patients.
By considering these factors and consulting with your dental professional, you can better understand your suitability for dental implants and prepare for any necessary steps to ensure a successful outcome.
If you wish to undergo dental implant surgery, it’s important that you have good overall health. For those that suffer from diabetes or for individuals that smoke heavily, there’s a heightened risk of the onset of gum disease or some kind of infection following the implant surgical procedure.
Maintaining a good all-around oral health hygiene routine after a dental implant procedure has occurred is very important. Failing to properly clean implants will allow them to gather a coat of residue, much in the same way that natural teeth gather deposits of plaque. This may seem harmless since a dental implant is made from titanium and porcelain. But there is a knock-on effect and that is it can result in bleeding from the gums, gum infection, and a general feeling of discomfort.
Immediate Post-Surgery Care
After your dental implant surgery, you’ll be encouraged to rest at home. If you’ve been sedated, ensure you have a friend or family member to accompany you home, as sedated patients are often drowsy and may not recall much of the procedure the next day.
Diet and Daily Activities
You can resume eating and drinking as usual after your surgery. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet to support your healing process. Stay hydrated and avoid overly hard or sticky foods that could interfere with your recovery.
Monitoring Your Recovery
The dental team will stay in touch to monitor your healing progress. It’s essential to communicate any discomfort or unusual symptoms you experience. Your dentist will have placed a healing cap on the implant, so expect a gap without a visible crown initially.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Once the implant is settled, regular hygiene appointments are vital. Consider treatments like Airflow dental cleaning to maintain gold standard implant care. Consistent check-ups will help ensure the longevity of your implants and the health of your gums.
By integrating these practices into your routine, you can enjoy a smooth recovery and maintain the health of your dental implants for years to come.
At the rear of the upper jaw, if there is any missing bone, that bone can be rebuilt by way of a sinus lift. This procedure involves adding synthetic bone material to areas with insufficient bone, specifically at the back teeth on the upper jaw.
However, if the concern lies with little or no bone on the lower teeth or at the front of the mouth, a bone graft becomes the suitable choice.
The process for a bone graft starts with creating a hole as usual for the implant screw in the area where bone depth or density is lacking. Bone substitute material is then placed around the implant. Afterwards, the area is sutured and left to heal for a period of 3-4 months, ensuring a stable foundation for the healed implants.
Bone grafting will add a period of extra time to treatment since healing is required either before implants are fitted or before they are restored. This additional healing time is crucial for successful integration, allowing the implant procedure to proceed seamlessly once the site is ready.
A sinus lift is a specialised surgical procedure designed to boost the bone quantity in the upper jaw, specifically near the molars and premolars. This becomes crucial when a patient experiences bone loss in that area, often due to prolonged tooth loss.
Bone in your jaw thrives on stimulation from chewing and biting. Without a tooth, the absence of this natural stressor can cause the bone to recede over time. This poses a problem for anyone looking to have dental implants, which require a solid bone foundation to be securely placed.
During a sinus lift, a skilled dental professional gently raises the sinus membrane. They then add a bone grafting material, which serves to encourage new bone growth. This step is pivotal in regaining the bone levels necessary for successful dental implant placement.
It’s necessary to consider a sinus lift if you’re planning dental implants but lack sufficient bone height in the upper jaw. The procedure not only restores bone but also enhances the success rate of future implants, ensuring they are stable and long-lasting.
With proper healing, which typically follows the sinus lift, you’ll be well-prepared to proceed with implant placement. This procedure paves the way for achieving a complete and restored smile, both in function and aesthetics.
Download a free information pack
Find out:
The costs and lowest price alternatives
Your options and choices for treatment
Are you suitable for treatment?
Can dental implants be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?
What happens if you smoke?
How many implants might you need?
Plus lots more…
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After one of our highly experienced team at Azure Dental Clinic has carried out a free virtual consultation if desired, it’s then up to you to make a decision as to whether to continue with treatment or otherwise. If you do wish to go ahead, we will carry out a comprehensive dental examination and take clinical x-rays as well as digital photos of your mouth – both inside and out.
We will work with you to formulate a treatment plan, and within a few days of your clinical presentation, a letter will be dispatched to you via email detailing our discussion. It’s merely a matter at this point of agreeing upon a date that treatment can begin.
This structured approach ensures you are fully informed and comfortable with every step of your dental treatment journey.
Once you’re ready to proceed, the next step is the implant surgery. Everything required for the procedure will be prepared before your arrival. We prioritise your comfort, offering sedation options if you prefer. During the surgery, your dentist will numb the area using a special anesthetic, ensuring the treatment is completely pain free. The implant will then be placed with precision, allowing you to relax and let our professionals take care of the rest.
After the procedure, most patients report minimal discomfort due to our gentle techniques and careful handling of the tissues involved. You’ll be encouraged to rest and, if sedated, have someone accompany you home. You can eat and drink normally afterwards, and our team will stay in contact to monitor your healing process. A healing cap will be placed on the implant, and you’ll have follow-up appointments to track progress.
In the months following your surgery, we’ll provide continuous support and guidance. When the implant is securely integrated with your bone, you’ll return for the crown placement. This final step involves fitting a natural-looking replacement tooth, crafted meticulously to match your smile. Our commitment to quality ensures your satisfaction.
Caring for your new implants is crucial for their longevity. Like natural teeth, they require good oral hygiene practices. We recommend brushing twice daily and attending regular follow-up hygiene maintenance appointments with our dental team. This ensures your implants remain healthy and functional for years to co
FAQ’s
What are dental implants?
Dental implants have three components: the crown that is made of porcelain and provides the tooth replacement, the titanium screw that’s inserted into the jawbone, and what is called an ‘abutment’, otherwise referred to as a post. The post is attached to the implant and the crown to keep the implant together.
In what way are dental implants beneficial?
They look like and perform just like natural teeth.
They have a precise fit and they do not require adhesives.
Implants are used to restore a natural smile and preserve your facial features.
In areas where there are missing teeth, implants are a preventative measure in terms of loss of bone.
They can improve your appearance, raise your confidence, and improve your ability to consume the food that you like.
Implants can last for an entire lifetime.
Are dental implants always successful?
With over one million patients having undergone dental implant treatment worldwide and after upwards of three decades worth of clinical experience, the statistical success rate for single teeth is 95% and almost 100% for implant bridges.
Are they suited to everyone?
Anyone that has lost a single tooth, numerous teeth, or all of their teeth can have dental implants to remedy the situation. There are very few scenarios whereby implants are unsuitable.
Can you be too old to have dental implants?
Short answer: no. Age simply is not a factor in terms of dental implant success. The bone healing process around an implant is almost to the same degree in patients that are above 60 years of age as it is with much younger patients. There’s really only one thing that can stand in the way for an older person – general medical health. If necessary, we will discuss this matter with you during your consultation.
Can dentures be replaced by implants?
Certainly! Dentures can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. With dental implants, you’ll avoid all of that because your teeth will not fall out or slip, you don’t have to worry about the food you eat, and there are no clips, clasps, or plastic covering to bother about.
Is the implant procedure painful?
Typically, the implant procedure occurs under local anesthetic. As such, there is no pain throughout the procedure, though there may be a little discomfort over the initial week or two of the procedure taking place. If you suffer from a nervous disposition or for some reason your case is more complex than normal, we can consider a sedative. Nevertheless, the procedure of placing an implant is, in fact, generally more straightforward than removing a tooth.
For patients who opt for sedation, it can be administered in a couple of ways to ensure a comfortable experience:
What to Expect with Sedation:
Important Considerations:
Sedation can transform the dental implant experience, making it more manageable for those who might otherwise feel apprehensive.
When it comes to dental implants, the cost of a single tooth implant can be higher, with prices often around £2,500. This pricing discrepancy stems from the allocation of fixed costs, such as overheads, preparation, and detailed imaging like X-rays.
For a single implant, these expenses are concentrated on one tooth, thus raising the individual cost.
In contrast, opting for multiple implants allows these fixed costs to be distributed across several teeth, resulting in a lower per-tooth price. With multiple implants, patients often receive a comprehensive treatment plan that outlines all procedures and fees, ensuring transparency and preventing unexpected costs along the way.
When it comes to commonly used implant systems, many dental professionals prefer those that dominate the market due to their proven track record and versatility. Among these, Nobel Biocare and Sweden Martina stand out because of their extensive range of implant designs. This variety allows for precise customisation, tailoring the implant to suit each patient’s unique dental needs.
Opting for such a widely trusted systems often ensures the research-backed quality and reliability that both dentists and patients expect. While there might be less expensive options available, they often lack the comprehensive testing and established performance that more prominent systems offer. This makes leading brands a preferred choice for those seeking dependable results in dental implant procedures.
If you have any concerns or issues with regards to missing teeth, loose teeth or dentures
and are looking at the potential solution of dental implant treatment then please get in touch.
Implants are a very predictable treatment option. They have good long term success rates but require regular care and maintenance to ensure they remain healthy for as long as possible.
Implants are generally placed under local anaesthetic. Once numb treatment is carried out with the very minimum of discomfort.
No, your dentist will show you how to clean any hard to reach areas around the implant. But you’ll mostly clean them as you would your normal teeth.
Dental implants are designed to provide a long term solution to your gap(s). They require less frequent replacement than other solutions such as dentures or bridgework, making them an overall cost-effective solution to replace a missing tooth (teeth).
Download a free information pack
Find out:
The costs and lowest price alternatives
Your options and choices for treatment
Are you suitable for treatment?
Can dental implants be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?
What happens if you smoke?
How many implants might you need?
Plus lots more…
Simply fill in the form below to get it emailed to you! By submitting this form you’re agreeing to receiving
marketing emails by Azure Dental. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.
