Dental Implants

Dental implants at the Wessex Dental Specialist Centre are provided by Specialists in Prosthodontics, Martin Lovell and Michael Thomas, Specialist in Periodontics, Alan Woodman and Specialist in Oral Surgery, Stephen Taylor.

A dental implant is typically a small screw-shaped attachment usually made from titanium. It is inserted within the jaw bone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Once osseointegration (when the bone attaches firmly to the implant) has occurred, a replacement tooth can be secured to the top of the implant. This new tooth can look and feel just like a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to support a bridge or a denture.

Implants that are secured or stabilised replacement teeth are more comfortable than conventional dentures because there is no slipping or movement. This eliminates some of the key worries of dentures and improves self-confidence.

Dental implants are the alternatives to bridgework for replacing missing teeth, eliminating the need to grind down healthy teeth.
When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. Dental implants can help to maintain the shape and structure of the jaw bone.

What is involved in the implant process?

The implant process normally involves several steps that take place over a period of time from three to nine months. Although there are various methods used according to particular circumstances, a typical process often includes:

Assessment planning

Implant placement - A relatively simple minor surgical procedure is performed under sterile conditions in the centre using local anaesthesia and, if indicated, supplemented by conscious oral sedation.
Integration period -it is more usual that a period of three months or more is allowed for the implant to fully integrate before loading. A denture or adhesive bridge can be worn during this healing phase.
The restorative phase - Once indicated, the implants may need to be uncovered and can be brought into function with a variety of restorations:

Maintenance

Our hygienists are experienced in helping to demonstrate how to clean thoroughly and effectively around the implants and along with the dentists will review to check the health of your mouth.

Your questions answered.

Will I be able to eat what I want afterwards?
Once treatment is completed, you should be able to eat a normal, healthy diet with little or no difficulty.

How long will a dental implant take?
A range of treatments is available. Usually treatment requires a series of appointments spread over several months. Occasionally implant treatment can be undertaken and completed in a much shorter period, possibly in a day.

How long will my implant last?
Once treatment is completed, a routine of careful dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups should ensure that implants last for many years.

Am I too old for implant treatment?
There is no upper age limit for patients to undergo implant treatment, provided they continue to enjoy good general health.

Is dental implant treatment painful?
Patients are often surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after implant procedures.

Why choose the Wessex Dental Specialist Centre for your implant treatment?

The team at the Wessex Dental Specialist Centre work together to combine their individual skills and experience to provide you with a predictable treatment outcome tailored to your individual requirements.
Specialist in Surgical Dentistry, Stephen Taylor is one of the most experienced dental implant and bone grafting surgeons in the country. Stephen uses a variety of implant systems depending on each case, and is also highly experienced in augmentation procedures.
Alan Woodman, Specialist in Periodontics at the Wessex Dental Specialist Centre is highly trained in soft tissue management and is able to contour soft tissues around the implant to produce a natural gum profile.
Our Specialist in Orthodontics Stewart Hawthorn competently manages any space resulting from missing teeth, aligning the remaining teeth to ensure that the space for implant placement is optimal.
Specialist in Prosthodontics Martin Lovell and Michael Thomas provide the final restorations, working with dental laboratory managers Colin Dale and Kerstin Kaufman and their team of technicians. Martin and Michael are trained and experienced in using a variety of implant systems, working with implants for over ten years. They are both members of the UK Association of Dental Implantology. Michael is also a member of both the American and British Academies of Cosmetic Dentistry.

For further information on implant procedures, please contact the Wessex Dental Specialist Centre.

Association of Dental Implantology (UK)
www.adi.org
British Society of Restorative Dentistry
www.bsrd.org.uk