Fill the gap in your life with quality dental implants in Harrow

Dental implants offer more than just tooth replacement. Giving you a complete smile can transform your confidence and make you proud to show off your smile.

Dental implants are titanium posts that provide support for replacement teeth. They can replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth with a bridge. In some instances where none of the teeth can be saved, removing all the teeth in one or both jaws and replacing them with dental implants is possible. This can even be done on the same day.

While there are various options for replacing missing teeth, such as dentures and bridges, they have limitations. Dentures can move around in your mouth while talking, eating, or swallowing, and they can cover the gum area, affecting your sense of taste. Bridges, however, require drilling into adjacent teeth, making it a more invasive procedure.

When you have missing teeth, the jawbone gradually deteriorates over time due to the lack of tooth roots. Implants prevent this bone loss by providing a stable foundation in the jaw, helping to maintain its health. Unlike dentures, implants are fixed in place, eliminating concerns about loose prosthetics or removing them at night. Implants offer a natural look, feel, and functionality, similar to natural teeth.

Before proceeding with any implant treatment, Dr Devang Patel will conduct X-rays and scans to assess the density of the bone at the implant site.

Insufficient bone density can result from severe gum disease or natural variations in bone structure. However, treatments are available to replenish the bone and increase its volume before placing an implant. Dr Devang Patel specialises in advanced bone regeneration, grafting, and sinus lift procedures. With state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, he has successfully placed implants in patients previously deemed unsuitable due to lack of bone.

The ideal time to plan for an implant is before any teeth are removed. If teeth have been extracted, we typically wait 10-12 weeks to assess bone height and width using CT scans. Once the bone has been evaluated, the implants are placed immediately. Ample time is allowed between appointments to ensure proper fusion of the implant, typically 8 to 12 weeks.

Once we confirm the secure fusion of the implant, the top is exposed, and a cap is placed. This allows the gum to heal around the cap, resembling a tooth-like shape naturally. The cap is later replaced with an abutment. This and the surrounding teeth are measured to provide the necessary information to the master technician who will craft your custom-made tooth.

When your replacement tooth is ready, Dr Devang Patel will fit it. It's an exciting moment when we see your smile complete. We can provide a temporary bridge to avoid leaving a gap throughout the process.

The longevity of your implant depends on your oral care routine and regular dental visits. Gum disease can affect both your gums and bone, compromising the integrity of the implant. However, you can prevent this by maintaining good oral hygiene, including thorough plaque and bacteria removal, and scheduling routine hygiene appointments.

What are they?

An implant-retained denture, also known as an implant-supported denture or an over-denture, is a type of removable denture supported and held in place by dental implants. It combines dental implants' benefits with a removable denture's convenience and affordability.

How they work

• Dental Implant Placement:
  First, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. The number of implants required depends on the specific case, but typically, two to four implants are used for an implant-retained denture. The implants are made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium, and serve as artificial tooth roots.
• Healing and Osseointegration:
  After implant placement, a healing period is required to allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This typically takes a few months and ensures a stable and secure foundation for the denture.
• Abutment Placement:
  Once osseointegration is complete, abutments are attached to the implants. The abutments serve as connectors between the implants and the denture.
• Denture Fabrication:
  An impression of the gums and abutments is taken to create a custom-made denture that fits precisely over the implants and gum tissue. The denture is designed to provide optimal aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.
• Denture Attachment:
  The denture is then securely attached to the abutments using special attachments, such as ball attachments or a bar-and-clip system. These attachments allow the denture to be quickly snapped onto the implants, providing stability and support while allowing easy removal for cleaning and maintenance.

Benefits

Implant-retained dentures offer several advantages over traditional removable dentures:

• Improved Stability:
  By anchoring to dental implants, the denture is more stable and secure in the mouth. It eliminates the need for messy adhesives and reduces the risk of denture slippage or discomfort during speaking and eating.
  
• Enhanced Chewing Efficiency:
  The stability provided by the implants allows for improved chewing and biting efficiency. This enables a more varied and nutritious diet, as you can comfortably eat a wider range of foods.
• Preserved Jawbone Health:
  ‍Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss that typically occurs with missing teeth. This helps maintain the integrity and structure of the jawbone over time.
• Increased Comfort:
  Implant-retained dentures are designed to fit more comfortably than traditional dentures. Eliminating bulky denture bases and improving stability contribute to a more natural and comfortable fit.

While implant-retained dentures offer significant advantages, they require a surgical implant placement procedure. It's essential to consult with a dental professional who will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for this type of treatment.

Bone Grafting

When teeth are lost or removed, some people experience bone loss, which can make it difficult to place an implant conventionally. In such cases, individuals may require a bone height and volume increase through an additional procedure. There are various types of bone grafting available to choose from depending on the specific circumstances of each individual. At our practice, we offer different options to cater to the needs of our patients.

Sinus Lift Surgery

Sinus Lift Surgery or 'sinus augmentation' can help increase the height of the bone available in the upper jaw above the back teeth, by creating new bone in the sinus. This method is very reliable and can form new bone to allow implants to be placed. Without the success of this technique, a lot of patients would not be able to have implants in parts of the mouth where teeth are commonly missing.