Making your smile complete again with dental implants that can replace missing teeth and restore confidence
Losing teeth, no matter the cause, is a very common experience that many of us go through at some point in our lives. We can use dental implants to replace missing teeth, giving you a secure and reliable alternative to natural teeth. Implants differ from removable dentures in how they are placed in the jaw bone and act as artificial tooth roots.
At Carbis Bay Dental Care, we make use of 3D scanning equipment that helps us to accurately plan your treatment, from what we envisage your smile looking like after the treatment to mapping where we need to place implants for multiple teeth.
Why have dental implants?
Next best thing to natural teeth
Unlike removable dentures, implants fit into your jaw and fuse in place. They are excellent replacements for natural teeth as they provide a firm foundation for any new teeth. There is no need for any plastic moulds to hold in place, leaving the rest of your mouth untouched.
Benefiting your facial structure
Gaps in your smiles can lead to your jaw bone gradually shrinking away. This can cause a change in your facial appearance and can leave you with a more aged look. Implants provide a crucial foundation in the jaw bone, keeping it from degrading.
A versatile option for completing a smile
As implants create such a firm foundation for replacement teeth, they can be used to support more than one tooth. For a single missing tooth, an implant can support a crown. If there is more than one tooth missing in a row, implants can support a bridge. For patients who are already, or soon to become denture wearers, implants can be used as a way to support the denture – turning them into a more secure replacement for missing teeth.
Who can have implants?
Before we plan for any implant treatment, we have to check that there is sufficient bone volume and density. The implant needs plenty of bone around it to fuse successfully. If there isn’t enough bone, we can arrange for additional treatment to replenish the bone. It’s essential for making sure that your implant has the best chance of a long life.
What does the treatment involve?
Having implants fitted takes a few appointments with plenty of time between to allow for your implants to fuse and heal. The first step is a thorough assessment where we take x-rays to get an accurate picture of how much bone we have to work with. It also gives us a chance to look out for any underlying issues.
When we see you for your fitting, we’ll fill you in beforehand about what to expect and how to prepare. The appointment takes up to an hour and we can offer sedation if you are particularly nervous.
Once the implant is fitted, in many cases, we’ll provide a temporary bridge to keep the area protected while the implant fuses and the gum heals. It takes a few months for the implant to fuse fully. Once we are confident that the implant is secure, we will take scans of the implant and surrounding teeth. These scans are sent onto the lab where your crown or bridge is crafted.
When you return to have your new teeth placed, we will check that they fit well and blend in perfectly with your teeth. We’ll review the treatment and make sure you’re completely happy with your newly completed smile.
Looking after your implants
Implants can last as long as natural teeth if looked after properly. While the implant itself is resistant to bacteria, your gums and supporting bones aren’t. Great oral care both at home and at the dental practice can keep your implants safe from gum disease and other issues.