When you have missing teeth, it is often more than a simple aesthetic issue. Depending on the teeth that are missing, you may find it harder to bite into and chew food effectively, which can lead to secondary complications such as indigestion, acid reflux or even malabsorption of food. None of these is good!

Many people in the past have opted to alleviate the issues caused by missing teeth with dentures or fitted bridges. However, in 2022, there is an additional restorative option that is becoming more popular in dental surgeries around the world: oral implants.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to meet with adult patients who have missing teeth and want to discuss the possibility of having dental implants Clapham fitted. This procedure is more straightforward than most people think and can leave you with a smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off. You’ll also be able to eat tougher foods again; what’s not to like about that?

But before you book your appointment with our team, you are likely to have a few questions about dental implants Clapham, so in this article, we answer five questions frequently asked by our patients about oral implants.

How do they work?

Your dental implants Clapham will be affixed to your jaw via surgery. Our team will initially need to take an x-ray of your jaw to assess its suitability; if it is thick and healthy, implantation will likely be successful. We will numb the area and then make some incisions. Then, fitting the implant, we will close the gum around it to secure it in place. The implant will be made of titanium, which is biologically inert and can fuse with the surrounding bone. Once this process is completed, the implant will act as a stable base for prosthetic teeth to be attached.

Is the fitting uncomfortable?

Not at all! Our team will ensure that the implant site and your mouth are numbed before we begin surgery. Once you are at home afterwards and the surgery is completed, it is advisable to use over-the-counter pain relievers to mitigate the discomfort you will feel, which should be no worse than that of a dental extraction. If you notice that the pain is more significant than this or gradually getting worse, then you need to see our team to have an assessment completed as you may have an infection.

Can anyone have oral implants fitted?

Not everybody can have oral implants. As mentioned earlier, you need to have a healthy and strong jawbone, which can be an issue if you have had teeth missing for many years or you have osteoporosis. Furthermore, your mouth should be free of decayed teeth and gum disease, and you must be 18 years or older to have implants fitted.

How long do they take to fuse?

On average, oral implants take between 3 to 6 months to fuse, but this may vary based on age and general health. After 12 months, if our team finds that the implant has not fused, we will need to remove it and consider other restorative options.

Are they worth the money?

If they are cared for correctly, oral implants can easily last for 20 years or more. And compared to the secondary complications that can arise due to missing teeth, such as a higher incidence of tooth decay, gum disease or even orthodontic concerns, oral implants are actually not that expensive.

Thanks to advances in dental technology it is easier than ever to replace missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth or you have undergone a tooth extraction, then you can rest assured there are excellent treatment options available to regain a fully functioning mouth. Tooth loss occurs as a result of many different reasons. Lots of people avoid visiting the dentist as a result of dental anxiety or dental phobia and develop dental issues which become irreversible and result in tooth loss. Others find that poor oral hygiene, lifestyle choices such as smoking and drug abuse, or an unhealthy diet full of sweets and fizzy drinks result in irreversible tooth decay and a tooth falls out or they need to undergo a tooth extraction. It is also common to lose your teeth as a result of a sports injury or an accident and finally people may find that their teeth become weaker in old age resulting in missing teeth. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth then contact us today at Clapham South Dental Centre and book an appointment as soon as possible to replace your missing teeth and help prevent further complications or further tooth loss. Tooth loss can weaken your remaining healthy teeth, affect the alignment of your teeth and cause bone decay. The quicker you address your missing teeth the greater chance of successful tooth replacement and maintaining the health of your remaining teeth.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

Dental implants Clapham are a highly successful method of addressing missing teeth. Dental implants Clapham have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. They are a permanent solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants Clapham are small titanium components and they are used to replace the root of your missing tooth. The implant works by being inserted into the bone socket where your tooth once was. This is an invasive procedure and your dentist will carry out a full examination of your teeth, gums and jawbone to make sure that it is suitable for you before proceeding with the surgery. A small hole is drilled into the bone socket so that the implant can be placed into the bone. The titanium initiates a process which is known as osseointegration and causes osteoblasts to form around the implant, securing it permanently into place.This is a natural healing process and depending on your body’s ability to mend it can take between 3 to 6 months for the implant to become a permanent fixture of your mouth.

Once the implant has been successfully integrated into your jaw you are ready to replace your missing teeth. You may choose to replace your teeth with crowns or a set of dentures and this will depend on the number of teeth that you are replacing and your personal preferences. Implant retained dentures are a highly popular option which was not available for previous generations. Dentures are now more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and have a more natural feeling than ever before. Speak to us at the centre to find out more about dental implants Clapham and the advantages that they bring to our patients.

When you are an adult who has missing teeth, it can feel very embarrassing, especially if you work in a role where you are required to engage with people on a daily basis. It may also prevent you from feeling confident about your smile, which is something nobody should have to experience!

Luckily, restorative dentistry has come a long way in the last 10 years, and now, you can have oral implants fitted, which will resolve the gap and allow you to feel confident in yourself.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to see patients and discuss the possibilities of them having dental implants Clapham fitted. This is a relatively straightforward procedure that our team is trained in performing and will leave you with a smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off. Great stuff!

Are there any other advantages of having dental implants Clapham fitted? Read on to find out!

Improved bite strength

If you have missing teeth, chances are that you have been offered a bridge or denture in the past. However, many people who have these restoratives fitted notice that they are not able to bite into food with the same strength as they would with their regular, natural teeth. Dental implants Clapham allow you to bite into food with the same strength and precision that you would have with your natural teeth, as they are fitted to the jaw and can therefore offer superior bite strength.

Better oral health

Fewer gaps mean a lower chance of having or developing gum disease and cavities. If you have an area in your mouth where there is spacing, this is the perfect place for bacteria to hide and multiply, which can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. As implants fill these gaps permanently, they prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria.

Better physical health

There have been numerous studies in the past linking incidents of high levels of plaque in the mouth and problematic physical health issues such as an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and even cancer. As mentioned earlier, oral implants close gaps in your mouth that can act as a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria, so they will enhance your oral health in the long term.

Better aesthetics

The oral implants we offer can be matched by colour and shape to blend in seamlessly with your natural surrounding teeth so that you get a pleasing, natural-looking aesthetic. Alternatively, if you are opting for a full set of dentures, these can be any shade that you want. So, you can pull off that Hollywood smile if you want to!

Better longevity

With the correct aftercare (which is minimal), oral implants can last up to and over 15 years. While you may have concerns that this is an expensive treatment, dental implants can reduce the likelihood of you developing orthodontic complications from missing teeth. It will also reduce the chances of you needing to have fillings or crowns fitted and, of course, boost your self-esteem. So overall, it is a better option in the long term.

When you have missing teeth, you will likely have searched online for an option to conceal the gap and restore the bite strength lost by the missing tooth or teeth, especially if they are located near the front of your mouth. In your search, you would have inevitably come across oral implants.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to meet with patients to discuss the possibility of concealing gaps with dental implants Clapham. These metal screws fuse to your jaw after surgery and allow us to attach any prosthetic to help you conceal gaps or improve your bite strength. Great!

So, what are some of the advantages of having dental implants Clapham fitted? Read on to find out.

They look natural

You may have heard that dental implants Clapham do not look natural, especially if they are fitted between two natural teeth; this is not the case. Our team will take great care to ensure that the crown or prosthetic blends in seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth, providing you with a healthy-looking smile. If you are having a set of dentures affixed to the oral implants, however, you can go full Hollywood if you want to, and we will be more than happy to create dentures in any shade of white that you wish!

They strengthen bite

A key issue that many people experience when they lose teeth at the front is a weakened bite, even if they are wearing dentures or bridges. Implants can be fitted securely to your jaw, and the prosthetics can be fitted to the implant; this allows you to bite into foods as if your teeth were natural, without needing to worry that they will move. Implants will also help with chewing, so you will no longer need to eliminate certain foods from your diet.

They prevent cavities and gum disease

If you have gaps in your smile, this is more than an aesthetic issue. These areas can be a great hiding place for plaque and bacteria, which, if left unchecked, can impact the surrounding natural teeth and even cause inflammation and gum disease. Having these areas filled with an oral implant prevents these hidden spots from falling victim to plaque and will, therefore, keep your mouth healthy.

They help you sleep

Nocturnal grinding is common, especially if you have missing molar teeth. Therefore, having oral implants fitted can prevent or lessen grinding and allow you to get the sleep you need. This is especially important if you frequently wake up with headaches, migraines or a stiff neck, as these are early symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. This disorder can also be prevented or lessened with oral implants.

They have a long lifespan

Assuming that you correctly care for your oral implants, they should last for up to and over 15 years.

Luckily, correct care is not difficult. Your oral implants, when fitted with prosthetics, require treatment similar to your natural teeth. You will need to brush and floss them as you would twice a day and, of course, attend checkups with our team. Keep an eye out for signs of gum disease, as this can shorten the lifespan of the implants. Also, refrain from smoking or drinking excessively as this can also damage the implants.

Tooth loss can be an uncomfortable and difficult situation to find yourself in and can occur as a result of many different reasons. The main causes of tooth loss are poor oral hygiene and avoiding the dentist. It is important that you visit your dentist here at Clapham South Dental Centre on a regular basis to make sure that plaque and tartar do not build up on your teeth and to prevent the development of dental issues which can cause irreversible complications in the future. Here at the centre we recommend that you visit your dentist at least once every 6 months for an assessment and hygienist appointment. At the assessment the dentist will carry out a comprehensive examination of your teeth and the hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar which has built up in your mouth and examine your gums for any signs of gum disease. If you maintain these two appointments once every six months on a regular basis then you will be able to enjoy clean teeth, healthy gums and good dental wellbeing for life.

Unfortunately tooth loss can occur as a result of other reasons too. An accident or an emergency which causes trauma to your mouth can result in tooth loss. If you have avoided the dentist for a long period of time then you may have irreversible damage to your teeth which requires a tooth extraction. If you have a missing tooth or you have lost multiple teeth then you need to speak to us at the practice and find out about replacing them.

Dental implants

We can offer you dental implants Clapham as a durable solution. Over the last few decades dental implants Clapham have become the gold standard in tooth replacement therapy. Whether you are looking to replace one missing tooth or you have lost multiple teeth, dental implants Clapham could be the answer to your tooth loss. Dental implants Clapham are, in many cases, a permanent solution to replacing your missing teeth. Unlike removable dental prosthetics, dental implants become firmly embedded into your mouth and are a permanent fixture to which your choice of prosthetic is securely attached. Dental implants can help support a crown, a bridge or a set of dentures and you can use up to 4 implants to replace all your teeth.

First you will need to undergo a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to make sure that you have no other underlying dental issues. If so then these can be addressed with our wide range of restorative dental treatment and procedures. Our dentist will make sure that your teeth are clean and free of tartar and that your gums are free of disease. It is also important that you have sufficient healthy bone to allow successful dental implant surgery. The implant works by replacing the root of your missing tooth and this artificial root will be inserted directly into the bone socket of the missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants help restore the appearance of your smile and also the full functioning of your mouth to what it was prior to tooth loss.

Few patients realise that there are other undesirable repercussions that follow when adult teeth are lost. It is not just the unsightly gaps in the dental arch that are created when teeth fall out that is of concern. Losing teeth holds a great risk for overall dental health and poses a danger to physical and mental wellbeing.

The problems caused by a gap open in the dental arch range from an increased risk of losing more teeth, existing teeth moving out of place, problems with the bite and gums, and a loss in jawbone density. Modern dental restorations solutions like dental implants Clapham can assist in avoiding all the issues listed, as well as improve masticatory function.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, patients can look forward to innovative dental solutions to replace missing teeth. Our implant dentist is well-experienced in offering top-quality dental implants Clapham. For patients wanting to know whether tooth replacement implants are a suitable dental restoration method for them, here are a few excellent reasons why we think they are.

Excellent reasons to consider dental implants Clapham

Tooth replacement implants offer better oral health

There is no equal to dental implants to offer the much-needed support to neighbouring teeth and underlying structures such as the jawbone. When teeth move out of their natural position because gaps are left open, this can create undue wear and tear on the dental arch during biting and chewing. Without tooth roots to keep jawbone quality strong, the jawbone can lose density and bone reabsorption can take place.

Dental implants allow patients to enjoy a varied dietary menu

Patients with missing teeth do not have the same masticatory force as those with a complete dental arch. These patients often have to sacrifice eating certain types of food like nutrient-dense crunchy fruits and vegetables. With reliable dental restorations, patients can once again opt for a diverse array of food and strengthen their nutritional intake.

Tooth implants achieve a desirable natural aesthetic appeal

This missing teeth replacement solution is a great option as it comes the closest to looking and feeling like natural teeth. Patients on implant treatment plans can smile, talk, eat, laugh and socialise with undiluted confidence.

Taking care of dental implants

One of the top priorities for patients choosing tooth replacement implants is observing the recommended guidelines on how to care for them. The high efficacy of dental implants remains unquestioned, but for patients to see long-term use, they need to be vigilant about implant maintenance.

Fortunately, this is easy to do as caring for implants is as simple as caring for natural teeth. The following guidelines are non-negotiable: daily brushing and flossing, avoiding bad lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking, and routine professional dental checkups. Meet these golden dental rules and you can enjoy your implants for an extended length of time.

To discuss the benefits of dental implants further or for a professional assessment to determine your suitability, reach out to our team at Clapham South Dental Centre. Our staff at the reception desk will be happy to set up an appointment for you.

It can be an extremely stressful time when we lose teeth and in many cases, this isn’t caused by poor dental hygiene. Many factors can cause tooth loss including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, old age or accidents. If you have lost teeth and are looking for a more secure, natural-feeling alternative to dentures then dental implants could be the solution for you.

How do dental implants work ?

First, you would have your dental implants in Clapham fitted – the implants themselves work as recreating the root of the tooth. A titanium screw is fitted that the tooth is attached to, the benefit of this is being the false tooth is then able to work as natural teeth would. You can eat and drink with no cause for concern. Patients who have had dental implants in Clapham have reported how amazing it is to have new permanent teeth and it’s said not only to improve confidence but also their self-esteem.

Can an implant always be used?

The condition of the bone is fundamental to whether or not implants could be an option for you. When you visit us we will arrange a number of tests to find out if there is enough bone in the jawline to hold the fixture. Even if there isn’t enough there could be the option of grafting bone into the area first.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes, they are safe and they can last much longer than bridges or crowns. The most important thing is that you look after your implants. If you don’t look after your implants they can develop a damaging coating similar to what happens when you neglect your natural teeth. If this is left untreated it can lead to gum infections, bleeding, discomfort and pain. However, if you’re looking after your teeth well both your natural and implants should not have any of these problems. When having your dental implants in Clapham fitted you will be able to discuss with your dentist how best to take good care of your oral health.

What is the process of having implants fitted?

You will first have a consultation with your dentist to express your desired outcome, the procedure will be explained to you. On your second appointment, if you have enough bone, the implant will be placed and given time to fuse. Then in a further 4 months, you will return to the surgery where the implant process is finished.

Do implants cause pain?

Any dental treatment can come with a little pain but we hope the outcomes will be worth temporary discomfort. You will not feel pain during the procedure as a local anaesthetic will be administered to the area. However, post-procedure you may experience small amounts of pain.

Can I afford implants?

Our initial consultation fee is £70 and this fee is deducted from the price if you decide to go ahead with the treatment. The overall cost is £1800 per implant which may seem like a large initial cost but with our 0% finance options, there will be no need for you to dip into those much treasured savings.

Implants – what are they?

In order for a tooth to be secured within the mouth, the root of the tooth whether natural or synthetic needs to be firmly in place. This is precisely what a dental implant is. A small, titanium post which acts as the stable root for a tooth replacement. Whether having a crown or bridge attached, the small screw made of titanium is inserted carefully into the jawbone. Whilst this may sound somewhat invasive, in truth, this small procedure is carried out numerous times a day by dentists around the world.

The small, titanium root which is implanted within the jaw stimulates the surrounding bone to grow and secure it into place. This in turn helps preserve your healthy facial definition through natural bone regeneration and of course, provides you with a healthy, natural looking smile. Whether in the replacement of a single tooth or replacing multiple teeth, dental implants Clapham are considered one of the more popular methods of tooth restoration, as they provide a sense of stability. Dental implants Clapham could be the missing piece to your smile.

The impact of tooth loss

As a child, the loss of a tooth can be exciting when it is one of your baby teeth. As an adult, the experience can be quite different both physically and mentally. The adult tooth which may have been accidentally damaged, or lost through oral disease, can impact you very negatively.

On the physical side, the surrounding teeth of the gap can begin to shift and lean towards it creating a slant. The smile that once was straight can shift and you are left with a series of misalignments. On top of that, over time, the gum can begin to recede creating changes to the facial structure and compromising the surrounding stability of the teeth left behind. On top of that your own feelings about your smile may alter and therefore, should you wish to replenish your smile, reach out to your dental team at Clapham South Dental Centre and open up your possibilities. By booking an appointment to discuss your options you will be getting your case assessed and preventing further complications down the line.

Considering all your options

Whilst dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement, this does not mean that it is the perfect choice for you and therefore there are a number of different aspects to consider. For instance, if suffering from poor dental hygiene, the jawbone can in time suffer and break down, this then impacts the depth of bone available for the implant to be inserted into. Therefore, should a bone graft, whether using natural bone or a synthetic material, not be suitable or wanted, an alternative restoration method may be more appropriate.

No matter what restoration method is chosen, discussing your options with our dental team will ensure that you fully understand the wide variety of options available and together you can come up with a plan going forward. Whether having dental implants Clapham, or some other restoration method, here at the practice, our dental team will ensure they have your best interests at heart and work with you to re-create a happy, healthy smile.

You must visit our dentist at Clapham South Dental Centre regularly. Doing so can help make sure that your dental hygiene routine is efficient and that you have clean, healthy teeth and strong gums to help you maintain good oral health for life.

Unfortunately, throughout life or with old age, you may experience tooth loss. The main cause of tooth loss is often poor oral hygiene, but by visiting our dentist at Clapham South Dental Centre, you can make sure that you do not have any dental issues. If you do, then we can treat the problems successfully to prevent them from worsening or eventually causing tooth loss.

Sometimes, there may be irreversible damage to a tooth, which results in the tooth falling out by itself or the dentist deciding that you need a tooth extraction. You may even experience some sort of trauma to your mouth, which results in a missing tooth or teeth.

If you have been affected by tooth loss, then speak to our dentist at Clapham South Dental Centre today and find out about dental implants. Dental implants Clapham are the gold standard in tooth replacement therapy, and although they have been around for over half a century, the last few decades have seen a significant increase in demand for dental implants Clapham thanks to the advances in dental technology. Much research has been carried out in the field of implant surgery, and this has led to a rise in popularity amongst dentists and patients alike. Dental implants Clapham are a strong and permanent method of replacing missing teeth. Whether you are looking to replace one tooth, multiple teeth or all of your teeth, you can restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile and the full functioning of your mouth with dental implants.

To find out more about dental implants, you will need to visit our dentist at Clapham South Dental Centre for a full examination of your teeth and gums. Our dentist will make sure that you have enough healthy bone for successful implant surgery. However, if your jaw bone density is insufficient, you may need a bone graft prior to the surgery.

The entire procedure can take several months to be completed, so the earlier you visit us at Clapham South Dental Centre, the quicker you can begin your journey to replacing your missing teeth. The procedure will be based on a natural process known as osseointegration, which occurs when the titanium implant inserted into the bone socket of your missing tooth initiates bone-forming cells to grow around it. This process allows the implant to become embedded into your jaw and can take up to 12 weeks, depending on your body’s ability to heal itself.

Patients with underlying health issues, such as diabetes, may not be suitable for the procedure. Speak with us at Clapham South Dental Centre today to find out more about dental implants and their advantages. Book an appointment with us and let our dental team take care of your missing teeth.

Are you fed up with your dentures and want a more permanent solution?

Our dentists at Clapham South Dental have the answer to correcting missing teeth long term, with the use of our dental implants Clapham, which look and feel just like natural teeth.

Below, our team at Clapham South discusses the real-world health benefits of dental implants Clapham, to help you get a better idea of whether this treatment is right for you or not. Enjoy!

Improved oral health

Firstly, a mouth full of teeth is less likely to suffer from tooth decay or gum disease.

Why? Because gaps in the teeth can act as a magnet for plaque, which can lead to both of these issues and more. When you have dental implants Clapham fitted, you are blocking gaps and reducing difficult to reach spots, resulting in better overall oral health.

Varied diet

When you have missing teeth, or if you are wearing dentures, there is a chance that your diet may not be as varied as it once was.

And as we all know, a varied diet is important for physical and mental wellbeing. When it comes to oral implants, these affixed prosthetics will enable you to eat whichever foods you want without worrying about movement or discomfort, allowing for a better overall diet. Great!

Settled stomach

While it is easy to focus on cosmetics, your teeth and jaws are actually the first stages in the digestive system.

And so, if you have any teeth missing, that means that it is going to be harder for you to bite into and chew food correctly. As a result, larger pieces of food will hit the stomach and can cause issues such as acid reflux, indigestion, even gastrointestinal reflux disease or GERD.

By fitting implants, you are ensuring that your teeth will always be strong and stable enough to bite into and chew food, allowing for a more settled stomach.

Better sleep

If you have suffered the loss of multiple teeth, specifically molars, then it is likely your sleep may be affected.

Why? Because when you sleep, the muscles in your face relax and, if you have gaps or incorrect misalignment, then your upper and lower jaw are more likely to be grinding against each other. And that, in turn, may lead to an increase in waking up during the night, headaches, jaw pain and even migraines in the morning. Not great!

By having implants fitted, you will allow your teeth to slot together properly, even when you sleep, reducing waking spells, migraines and reducing the likelihood of developing temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ.

Confidence

And finally, you can’t put a price on confidence!

As you know, when you have gaps in your smile, or if you feel uncertain about the strength of the denture glue you are using, this can greatly impact the time you spend smiling.

And as studies have found, smiling not only improves your mood but also impacts your confidence and even your creativity, due to the link between smiling and brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.

By having dental implants fitted, you will close gaps in your smile, will have no worries about denture movement and will, overall, feel better in yourself. What’s not to like about that?