EAST STREET DENTAL PRACTICE

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Dental Implants

We often refer patients to South Coast Dental who want to consider a "Dental Implant" to replace a missing tooth. No cases are straightforward so patients are assessed by them with X Ray pictures always being required. A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth loss. Missing teeth can often be replaced using implants. Implants act like roots of teeth. After they have been fitted and have healed in place, dentures or crowns may be attached to them. When dentures are held in place by implants they do not slip around. If crowns are fitted on implants,they act like normal teeth. Implants can only be placed if there is enough bone present in the jaw. When teeth are lost, the bone around the teeth gradually disappears. If too much bone has been lost it is sometimes possible to grow bone in its place prior to the implant. Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and that they were much more comfortable following the procedure then they anticipated. The complete implant reconstruction process may take from 4 to 9 months and in some cases longer. Time is needed for your jawbone to grow around the implant and for your replacement teeth to be made. Procedures vary, but it usually includes two surgical steps and then the restoration is fabricated. After Graham places the dental implants into your jawbone. Bone cells grow around the implants that may take up to six months to occur. He then makes a small incision in the gum tissue and connects a healing post to your implant(s). The gum tissue heals around the post for a period of 3-6 weeks or longer. then attaches a post and makes the replacement teeth. Typically the fee is around £2000 per tooth.