Single Missing Tooth
Losing a tooth can be devastating. You can feel self-conscious and suffer a lack of self-esteem. Did you know that your tooth could be replaced quickly and easily with a dental implant?
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:
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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.
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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.
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Either way, there will be some healing time. The screw will slowly mesh with the bone, becoming a natural component of your jaw.
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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.
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How implants are inserted
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Option 1
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Immediate insertion is when the dental implant is placed at the same time that the tooth or teeth are removed. The advantages of this approach are a reduction in treatment time and bone preservation. Whether or not this is possible will depend on the condition of your bone at the time of extraction. If infection is present it may be necessary to defer implant placement for two to three months while new healthy bone reforms in the area.
Option 2
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Early placement is where the implant is placed 6-8 weeks after the tooth extraction. This is a preferred option in cases where there was infection present at the time of tooth extraction or a lack of bone, as determined from examination of the extraction socket or cone beam CT scans.
Option 3
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Delayed dental implant placement is insertion of the implant into a region of the mouth where the tooth or teeth have previously been removed or have been missing for some time. This process may require additional bone grafting either before or during the implant surgery.
Option 1 and 2 are preferred routes in cases where a tooth extraction is planned and helps maintain as much bone as possible.
Implant treatment may entail a combination of the above insertion types and the time required to place them will depend on the number of implants being inserted and their position in the mouth. Every effort will be made to keep the time to a minimum whilst not jeopardising the final result.
Life Benefits
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A beautiful, natural smile that is all your own.
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The reassuring knowledge that your implant will last you a lifetime if properly cared for.
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Full function restored, which means freedom for you.
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Bone density will be maintained and so will the integral structure of your face.
Case
Before
After
Charlie presented to us following a sports related injury which resulted in fracture of his twi incisor teeth.
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Two dental implants were used to replace these teeth.
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Before
After
Esther presented to us with a lost central incisor tooth, following an assault on a Friday evening.
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The missing tooth was replaced using a dental implant.
Case
Before
After
John had a fractured post and crown associated with his central incisor tooth. As a school teacher, he wanted this fixed before schools re-opened.
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An implant was placed and restored within 48 hours of his presentation as a temporary measure. A final implant crown was delivered 3 months later.
Visit our Smile Gallery to view other cases of dental implants
What our Patients Say
"I would recommend this practice to friends or family. I was treated with dignity and respect by staff at the practice at all times. I was treated very well and the procedure to be carried was fully explained to me as was the cost. I would recommend this practice to everyone. Wonderful service and treatment."
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- John Langton -