The Beginners Guide to Dental Implants

Dental implants are an effective and long-lasting way to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. This treatment is one of three main techniques available to our patients to restore missing teeth; as well as dentures and bridges. However, dental implants are considered the most modern and long-lasting option, looking and feeling just like the patient’s own teeth.

At The Dentists Old Market, we have been providing professional dental solutions such as dental implants in Bristol for many years. To help our patients understand this option and its many benefits, we have created this guide to dental implants. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please get in touch with the practice.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-term, fixed alternative to dentures (removable false teeth) and bridges. The dental implant itself is a small titanium screw structure fixed to the jawbone which holds the replacement tooth (or teeth) in place. This is an extremely durable, long-lasting and discrete approach to tooth replacement.

Once in place, the dental implant acts as an artificial root on which a replacement crown can be fitted. Over time, the bone structure of your jaw will gradually begin to fuse with the dental implant and when looked after correctly, dental implants can last as long as natural teeth. The replacement tooth that is placed on to the titanium screw is incredibly secure, functions the same as a real tooth would, and provides a completely natural look to your smile.

What should I Expect During My Treatment Journey?

Dental implants are a bespoke treatment that is tailor-made to your exact requirements. We will begin with an initial consultation to discuss your options and to decide if dental implants are the best choice for your individual needs. You will then be given time to go away and think about your options before deciding whether to go ahead with the treatment.

If you decide to go ahead, you will return for a thorough examination, where our team will scan your mouth and gather all the information needed to plan your treatment.

The fitting of your dental implant(s) will usually be completed over two sessions. At your first appointment we will place the dental implants into the jaw. A short while later you will return to the practice to have your crowns placed on to the implants and see your beautiful new smile for the first time!

Will It Hurt?

We aim to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for our patients and use a local anesthetic when placing the implants. Patients often comment that they found the experience to be very comfortable and felt very little discomfort.

If you are a nervous patient or have any concerns at all, please let us know and we will do all we can to help.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

There are many advantages to having dental implants, both cosmetic and functional. We see many patients with one or more teeth missing who tell us that having a gap in their smile has really knocked their confidence, as well as making eating and speaking more difficult for them.

Whatever your reason for considering dental implants, all patients will find that the treatment gives them:

A natural look and feel: one of the main downsides to dentures is the difficultly patients find in keeping them in place, leaving the potential for them to become dislodged in social situations or cause difficulty eating and speaking. Dental implants, however, look and act just the same as a natural tooth.

Low maintenance: Dentures need to be removed and cleaned at night, so there is a daily maintenance process that some find laborious and, in some cases, embarrassing. Dental implants, however, simply need to be cleaned in the same way as your own natural teeth.

A long-lasting and sturdy solution: once in place, dental implants are there to stay. In cases where they are well looked after, they have the potential to last as long as natural teeth. Their longevity certainly makes them more advantageous than dentures or bridges.

A flexible and bespoke treatment: depending on the requirements of the patient, dental implants can be tailored to a single tooth, multiple missing teeth or can event be used to secure a denture in place without the worry of slippage or movement. This is a practical and adaptable solution to tooth replacement that will suit most patients.

Dental Implant Treatment with The Dentists Old Market

If you are considering dental implants or would like to discuss the treatment in more detail, we would be happy to help. You can give us a call on 0117 927 2589 or get in touch via our online contact form.