Welcome to Milton Dental Practice

ALL ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are the number one solution for the replacement of missing or failing teeth. They can completely restore appearance, function, and ultimately, self-confidence. Dr Varghese has been placing Dental Implants for over 10 years and will answer all your queries during the assessment appointment.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made out of titanium. Titanium is a noble metal that is highly compatible with living tissue. This means that, even though it’s a foreign body that’s been introduced into the jaw, the body accepts the implant and encloses it with bone, creating a fixed and stable support for single crowns, bridges or dentures.

Why have dental implants?

As our teeth grow into the mouth bone grows along with them to support the roots. If the teeth are lost for any reason, the supporting bone is lost as well.

As implants are integrated into the jawbone they act in the same way as teeth, preventing bone shrinkage and preserving the structure of the face.

Implants can bring back quality of life, by making eating easier and more comfortable and maintaining or improving appearance. This can have a positive impact on self-confidence and even mental well-being – with teeth that look, feel and function like natural ones.

Are implants safe and how long will they last?

The first root shaped titanium implant was placed in 1978. Since that time 3 million implants have been placed in the USA alone with 500,000 more placed every year. Implants offer a safe and well-established treatment option.

There are two components to dental implants, the implant that replaces the root and the component in the mouth that replaces the crown, bridge or denture, known as the superstructure. The life expectancy of an implant will vary with each patient, but many placed over 30 years ago are still functioning well. However, the superstructure will need periodical attention. For example, the crown supported by the implant could need replacing after 10 to 15 years.

How are implants placed?

Stage One in placing implants is the assessment and treatment planning. A full examination will be completed with a review of medical and dental histories, as gum disease, smoking and grinding habits all affect the long-term success of implants. X-rays will be taken and in some cases a CBCT scan used to assess available bone. Bone from other sources can sometimes be grafted on to the site if there is not enough present to support the implant.

Stage Two involves placing the implant or implants into the jaw. This is followed by a healing period of about 3 to 6 months to enable the bone to grow around the implant. In some conditions tooth removal and implant placement can be done in one appointment which is called immediate placement.

Stage Three consists of confirming the implant has integrated, uncovering the tops of the implant and taking impressions to enable the crown, bridge or denture to be made and fitted.

Stage Four is fitting the crown, bridge or denture based on the treatment plan.

Stage Five is the maintenance phase. Implants need to be cleaned twice daily like natural teeth and checked regularly by the dentist or hygienist.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

They are the next best
thing to healthy natural teeth

An implant is strong and stable and restores a lost tooth so that it looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.

They maintain facial structure

Implants prevent the shrinkage that occurs when a tooth is lost, preserving the structure of the face and preventing other teeth from moving.

They conserve bone

They prevent shrinkage of bone that usually happens after tooth removal as part of normal Healing.

They protect the other teeth

With traditional dentistry the teeth next to a gap need to be ground down in order to fill the space with a bridge. This weakens the teeth, which can fracture or die later. When an implant is placed it not only restores the gap, it preserves the remaining teeth as well.

They are fixed in the mouth

Implants fix the crown, bridge and even a denture firmly in the mouth. They function as natural teeth when eating with no movement when talking, laughing or kissing!.

What our patients say about us

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Highly recommended Dental Practice. Excellent customer focus and attention to detail. I have been a customer for many, many years and have had lots of different treatments in the dentist chair. All carried out with great expertise. You would also struggle to find a Receptionist who is so warm, friendly and customer-centred. Milton Dental Practice sets the bar very high.

I‘ve been a patient in this dental practice for nearly 30 years now, which provides a friendly and calming atmosphere. Hence I never felt the need to change to another dentist. Excellently organised, including consideration of complex personal schedules, and - most importantly - accommodating emergencies. Also felt reassured that the practice is up to date with the latest developments in dentistry.

Excellent service. After my tooth broke while on holiday, I called the practice and they arranged for me to be seen on the afternoon I returned. The tooth was rebuilt that afternoon at a reasonable price. Could not have asked for more. Would never go anywhere else in the future.