Are you fed up with hiding your smile because you don’t like prominent gaps?

If you are, then you may be happy to learn that there is now a more permanent way for dentists across the UK to restore missing teeth; oral implants!

At Clapham South Dental, we are dedicated to giving our patients the best smiles that we can and if you are suitable, we are more than happy to begin the process of fitting dental implants Clapham with you.

So, what can you expect when you are looking to have dental implants Clapham fitted?

Initial consultation and tests

During your initial consultation for having dental implants Clapham, our team will explore your dental and general health with you. We will perform a routine check-up to assess your mouth for signs of decay or gum disease, which will have to be treated before any implants are fitted if they are present.

We will also take x-rays of your jaws, to ascertain if they are thick enough or in good enough condition to support implants.

Fitting

When it comes to fitting your implant(s), our team may use an open, vacant socket in the case of a recently lost tooth or we may drill a new one.

We will ensure first and foremost that your mouth is numbed and then, we will make some incisions into the gum line and gently peel it back to expose the bone. Then, depending on whether we need to drill a hole or use an already existing one, we will fit the implant.

This process can be a bit time consuming and if you are having multiple implants fitted, we may wish to divide the fitting over multiple appointments.

Aftercare

When you get home post-implant fitting, you will need to take care to not aggravate the implant site.

This will mean cleaning around the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using salt water to clean the implant. You may also need to avoid overly hard or spicy foods for a while, as these can put pressure on the implant and may even lead to a newly fitted implant coming loose. You will also want to avoid spicy foods as they can worsen inflammation.

For more advice on implant aftercare, talk to our team.

Prosthetics

Once the fusing period is up, our team will then fit the prosthetics; these can be a single tooth or a full set of dentures.

The fitting of the prosthetics typically takes over an hour and is not uncomfortable. Meaning you can walk into our surgery with one smile and leave with a completely different one! Perfect!

Daily life

After your prosthetics have been loaded to your oral implants, you are ready to bite into and chew whichever foods you want.

But take care to look after your oral implants; they will need daily brushing, flossing and general hygiene care along with biannual check-ups by our team. This will help us to keep an eye out for things like gum disease which can significantly shorten the lifespan of implants.

Addressing your concerns about dental implants Clapham easily helps you feel more confident about your treatment plan. We, at Clapham South Dental Centre, have found that it is only in understanding exactly what the treatment involves and their role in looking after their dental devices that patients experience better treatment outcomes. Dental implants Clapham are an excellent treatment choice for patients who have lost adult teeth and are looking for a natural-looking form of tooth replacement. Tooth replacement implants have become the go-to choice for patients because of their desirable aesthetic value, function and efficacy.

If you are not quite sure what questions to ask when considering dental implants Clapham, here are a few commonly asked questions to help get you started.

What do I need to be eligible for tooth implants?

To be considered for implants, patients must be in good dental and physical health. Our dentist will thoroughly examine the mouth and assess dental health to determine the patient’s suitability. Some areas of concern will be gum health and jawbone quality. These two factors form the basis for successful implantation and integration of the implants into the jawbone. If poor dental health is a concern, our dentist is obliged to treat the underlying issue first before proceeding with implantation.

What are the advantages of tooth implants?

Several advantages will be of interest to patients. Tooth replacement implants offer improved quality of life and this is achieved as they can mirror the structure of natural teeth: a dental root that anchors a dental cap. This copycat design allows implants to feel and function like natural teeth, giving patients enhanced confidence when it comes to speaking, eating and smiling in social situations. Additionally, this design also works to protect oral health; the metal root offers the stimulation needed to prevent the jawbone density from diminishing and the face from developing a shrunken look.

Do tooth replacement implants need to be maintained?

Yes, patients who opt for tooth replacement implants need to be clear about the fact that they bear a great responsibility to ensure that implants remain in top condition. The good news is that tooth implants are easy to care for. They need to be cleaned in the same way that natural teeth are – brushing twice a day and flossing.

How long does it take to receive implants?

The answer to this question will vary as it will depend on factors pertinent to an individual patient’s situation. For example, a patient with no underlying issues can receive implantation a lot sooner than a patient who has to improve poor gum quality first. The healing period post-procedure is another factor that bears relevance to treatment duration and this, once again, depends on the individual.

A consultation appointment with our experienced dental practitioner at Clapham South Dental Centre is the place to start if you are interested in tooth replacement implants. We look forward to helping you achieve improved oral health and function for a better quality of life.

We only have one set of adult teeth that need to last us an entire lifetime – which could be as long as eighty years or more, that is why so much emphasis is placed on the need to take great care of our teeth. But, even with the best of care and intentions, losing teeth is not completely avoidable, accidents can occur that cause tooth loss, as well as poor oral hygiene.

Tooth loss can become difficult to live with, as it can lead to areas of the gums becoming sensitive making eating painful and hard work. This can be especially true in cases where multiple teeth have been lost, in these cases patients may experience a weakness in their bite. Modern dental technology and techniques have led to a permanent solution to the loss of a single tooth or multiple teeth, this solution can also be used to provide an alternative to denture wearers.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are now offering our patients who have suffered from tooth loss a permanent replacement by offering the service of dental implants Clapham. Allowing them access to the benefits of having a full set of teeth.

A hard wearing and permanent solution

The prosthetics being offered by this treatment, dental implants Clapham, are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss, as they are manufactured to be hard wearing and created from the strongest of materials. The aim is to mimic the teeth so closely that the implants look and act just like the natural teeth they are replacing, many patients who have received implants report that they find it hard to tell the difference between the natural teeth and the implants.

The base of the implant is a screw made from titanium, the strongest metal known to mankind, that is placed into the jawbone of the patient to form a sturdy foundation for a crown to be fixed to. The crown is created from a hard-wearing ceramic material, that is moulded into the shape of a tooth and coloured in such a way that it will blend in with the rest of the teeth surrounding it.

Remember the above is a basic description of the process of inserting an implant for a single tooth, the process may change when used to treat the loss of multiple teeth.

The benefits of implants

Once the implants are in place they can be used just like the natural teeth they have replaced, meaning many of those who choose this form of treatment report a feeling of being liberated when it comes to food choice. Many who experience tooth loss feel they must limit their food choices to avoid harder or chewy foods, this is especially true for bridge and denture wearers who may be concerned about foods such as rice becoming trapped between a dental device and the gums.

Another, more hidden, benefit of these implants is the way they can offer support to any teeth surrounding them, as it is common for teeth to feel unsteady or slightly loose in an area where loss has occurred.

Need implants?

For those looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss, our invitation is a simple one. Contact Clapham South Dental Centre to find out about dental implants Clapham, we are sure we can give all the expert guidance you need to make the right choice for you.

At Clapham South Dental Centre we offer you the best of both worlds – traditional NHS dental treatments and the option of affordable private cosmetic dental treatments focusing on improving your smile.

We are proud to be able to offer dental implants in Clapham at our local clinic, giving back to our community with the highest standard of restorative dentistry.

We have many goals at our surgery; for one, we will never compromise on the quality of care we provide. Another is the range of treatment we make available to our patients. Our first priority in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our patient is met via prevention but that is not always possible. If critical damage has been done then the only thing left to do is pick up the pieces or to use restorative dentistry; in some cases, this may literally involve picking up the pieces of a tooth and cementing them back in place! Known as a reconstruction, crowning is also a common piece of restorative dentistry allowing a crumbling and very damaged tooth to be repaired. If this isn’t an option, we move on to the use of implants.

At the very peak of restorative dentistry, dental implants do not require any element of the original tooth to existing. They can be fitted in the location of a tooth whose socket has long since closed.

How we perform dental implants in the clinic

The dental implants in Clapham we use come in two pieces; one is below the gum line and interacts directly with the jawbone; this is the implant. On the top of the titanium implant is a connector; the connector allows dentists to semi-permanently place the prosthetic tooth, being able to remove it if it becomes damaged.

By splitting up the fitting into two sessions, it allows the implant to fully integrate itself into the jawbone before the second stage of treatment with the loading of the prosthetic. This bypasses any potential twisting of the implant, avoiding setting it in a misaligned position.

This also means that when the implant is fully loaded it is ready to use. The time between the implant being placed in the jaw and the mounting of the prosthetic can be anywhere between 4 months to a year depending on the patient rate of bone growth.

Dental implants in Clapham are the closest you can get to fully replacing a lost tooth. The techniques are developed to produce a convincing crown and be easily applied to oral prosthetics. We take detailed measurements of the shade and translucency of your natural teeth in order to fabricate a convincing polymer oral prosthetic. With the same maintenance as your natural teeth and six-monthly checkups as the only requirements of implants, many patients come to forget which tooth is an implant.

The oral prosthetic part of your implant is likely to last for more than 10-years with proper care. Even if it were to become damaged, it can be easily switched out without having to remove the titanium implant from the jawbone thanks to the connector. If the implant itself becomes damaged, we will aim to remove it and will then conduct an assessment to see if we can attach another one in a nearby location.

When you have lost a single tooth in your mouth, either due to extraction, accident or illness, it can really impact poorly on your self-esteem.

And if you are like the majority of people, you will want to have it replaced promptly but may feel that having a fitted bridge for a single tooth is a bit excessive. We don’t blame you!

Luckily, there are ways to replace a single missing tooth with something more stable and long-lasting than a fitted bridge; oral implants.

At Clapham South Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our suitable patients dental implants in Clapham. We have extensive experience with helping people regain their smiles and their confidence with the use of oral implants; should you have any queries or questions throughout the course of your treatment, just ask us!

Want to know more about dental implants in Clapham before deciding if they are for you? Here, we provide a brief guide to this restorative procedure Enjoy!

Implant types

There are typically 4 types of oral implant; endosteal (regular), subperiosteal, zygomatic (upper jaw only) and mini implants.

At our surgery, if you have enough jaw bone and are in good health, we will aim to fit you with endosteal dental implants in Clapham as they have a high success rate and are easier to fit than some of the others, such as zygomatic.

Fitting procedure

When it comes to fitting your oral implant, our team will first numb the area where it is to be placed. Then, a small incision will be made in your gum line and the jaw bone will be exposed, A small hole is then drilled (assuming that the socket has closed) and we will place the implant.

You will then need to wait for a period of 3-6 months (on average) for the implant to fuse with the bone, after which, we will fit your prosthetic tooth.

Prosthetics

The prosthetic tooth is usually made from a porcelain composite mix and we can assure you, it is hardy!

Once placed, it will seamlessly blend in with your surrounding teeth, as we will ensure to colour match it and shape match it to look as natural as possible. The prosthetic tooth can only be attached once the implant has fused to your bone but, once placed, it will be ready to use!

Aftercare

Once you have had an oral implant and the prosthetic tooth fitted, there are some general bits of aftercare advice to ensure that they last a long time.

Try to refrain from smoking, as this can cause the gum line to recede and can loosen oral implants; for similar reasons, you should also limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Visit our team every 6 months for check-ups, practice good oral hygiene at home with brushing and keep an eye out for gum disease.

Longevity

If you take all of the aforementioned steps, your newly fitted oral implants should last 15 years or more.

Great to know!

When you lose a tooth it is easy to feel like you will never smile again, but at Clapham South Dental Care we will endeavour to do whatever we can to make sure you not only smile again but never want to stop. With treatments available to replace however many teeth you need, you can forget about having gaps in your smile. We offer dental implants in Clapham, which is a way of restoring teeth so that they look, feel and behave exactly like your original ones. Unlike other tooth replacement options, they are extremely durable and could even last you the rest of your life. If you have lost a tooth or all of your teeth, then booking an appointment with one of our dental practitioners today will allow you to discover what we can do for your smile. It’s easy to book an appointment through our website or over the phone, and if you have any general questions about the treatment this will give you an opportunity to ask them.

Capable of replacing as many teeth as you need

When someone loses a singular tooth through an accident they often do not consider replacing it because they are not aware of the options that are available to them. A lot of people believe that one missing tooth is not “bad enough” to need to be replaced, but devaluing their issues does not eradicate their insecurities, and they are often left incredibly unhappy with their smile. Having dental implants in Clapham could restore your smile, whether it is one tooth, three or every single one. Some patients even choose to upgrade to implants from their dentures, for a variety of reasons. This treatment permanently fixes your new teeth into your mouth by using small titanium screws that have been inserted into your jawbone to act as the roots of your teeth. Once your mouth has healed around these screws you will then have your required appliance attached to it.

What appliance you need will depend solely on how many teeth you are missing. One crown or a few crowns may be attached to your implants if you are missing one tooth, or a few teeth in random places. If a few teeth are missing in a row or on either side of a remaining tooth, it is likely that a bridge will be used to provide the original teeth with extra support. Partial or full dentures will be used in the circumstances where you are missing the majority or all of your teeth, but when you are replacing this many teeth you will not necessarily need to have one screw per new tooth, as they are capable of supporting multiple teeth. A whole set of teeth can be replaced with between four and twelve screws, depending on the individual circumstances.

A smile that lasts

If you get dental implants in Clapham then it is important to take care of them properly. Looking after them will mean they last you as long as possible, which in some cases can be upwards of ten years. Your dental practitioner will be able to explain how to clean your new teeth and recommend which products would be ideal for you to use.

If you are struggling with the appearance of your smile due to gaps, then our dental implants in Clapham could be a great option for you. We understand that it can feel embarrassing when you have gaps in your teeth, which can cause you to feel insecure when you smile. The reason this treatment is so popular is because it not only fills the gaps in your teeth, it’s also durable enough to last for years, meaning it is a great combination to help bring back your confidence.

How does it work?

Firstly, as with any dental treatment we offer, we will have a consultation appointment with you so that we can examine the area to find out if you are eligible or not. This appointment involves us taking scans such as x-rays, so we can get a better look at the bone, to see if there is enough left to hold the implant post in place. This meeting also gives us the opportunity to fully discuss the treatment to make sure it is right for you. If all goes well and you are suitable for the treatment, we can book your first surgical appointment.

During your first appointment, we will open up the gum in the problem area to expose the bone. The implant post will then be inserted deep into the bone and the area will be closed back up. This will then be left to heal for several months to build up a good foundation for the crown to be attached. During these healing months, your bone will fuse to the implant post, meaning that it becomes part of your mouth, which contributes to the durability of these Clapham dental implants.

Once the area has healed and the implant post has successfully fused to your bone, you can come back for your second surgical appointment. This is when we will attach the crown to the implant post. A crown is a tooth-shaped piece of porcelain that is specifically created just for you, the colour and shape are adapted to match your other teeth. You can also choose between having a permanent or removable crown, which is simply screwed onto the implant post. Once this is completed, you can walk away with a fuller smile!

We recommend that you have a follow-up appointment around 2 weeks after the crown has been attached, so we can make sure everything is going how it should be. This is also a good time for any adjustments to be made if needed.

Here at Clapham South Dental Care, we take pride in making sure that our patients feel welcome and comfortable when they come to us for treatments. We understand that it can be nerve-wracking coming to the practice, and we do all we can to help you with this.

The advantages

The appearance of your new teeth is one of the main benefits that you can enjoy from this treatment. Thanks to the porcelain that is used, your dental implants from Clapham will look just like your natural teeth.

The durability is also a great advantage that comes from this treatment, with the right care, they can last for up to 20 years! So it is definitely worth looking into it if you are struggling with gappy teeth.

Oral implants have become a real showcase for dentistry over the last 5 years, which is strange as they are not a new idea. They haven’t changed that much in the last decade, but dental implants Clapham? are now more common in our clinic. So, why are so many people seeking out oral implants when there are a plethora of other options?

Restorative dentistry

Oral implants are an important element of the restorative procedures that we offer. A wide variety of techniques and tools are used in restorative dentistry, but always with the overall goal of returning something that has been lost both in terms of function like a strong bite, or aesthetics such as a gap-free smile. As implants offer both, it is easy to see why they are so popular.

Non-implant options

A regular oral prosthetic is usually a false tooth or teeth that closely resemble the teeth that were lost due to accident or decay. When in use, they will need to be adhered to or braced by surrounding natural teeth. A bridge requires two healthy teeth to be wired to and a crown needs to be built up over the core of a tooth, with the root undamaged to support the prosthesis.

It’s this lack of support in denture users that results in the movement and rubbing that can make dentures unpleasant or irritating. As implants require neither surrounding teeth nor a natural root to function, they are often regarded as superior by patients.

How do implants work?

Oral implants come in three parts, the first being the titanium rod which is placed into the jawbone and is referred to as the ‘implant’. On top of this is a false tooth, usually made from a mix of porcelain and polymers. This is held in place by a connector which locks the two pieces together. This allows the false tooth to be added later after the implant has fully set in place and also allows the tooth to be disconnected from the implant and replaced if damaged, without having to remove the implant from the jaw.

The maintenance of implants versus non-implanted prosthetics

Post implantation and fitting, there are significant differences in the upkeep of your prosthetics depending on whether they are implanted or not. Non-implants can be removed and are often cleaned outside of the mouth, using a denture cleaner or an overnight soaking. With removable prosthetics, there is a chance of rubbing and adhesive/padded stripes may have to be changed daily to minimise soreness and rubbing, which can be costly.

The daily maintenance of dental implants Clapham? is the same as your natural teeth; they need to be brushed twice daily and checked in the clinic every 6 months.

What is the best option?

There are pros and cons to both; although the fitting is simpler with non-implants, the long-term maintenance is much easier with implants. Implants are also not suitable for everyone and there are some pre-existing health conditions and prescription medications which would exclude you from receiving dental implants Clapham. You would have to speak with a member of our clinical team to assess your suitability.

Dental implants are long-term means of replacing a missing tooth or teeth. They are a popular alternative to dentures, and can be a great option for patients who want a solution that is durable and reliable for many years to come. Composed of titanium, they mimic the natural root of the teeth, and fuse with the patient’s own jaw bone over time, replacing missing teeth in an unobtrusive manner. For those interested in dental implants in Clapham, we can discuss individual options for tooth replacement at the convenience of the patient.

As natural as possible

Because implants are a permanent fixture that integrate with the teeth and gums, patients can expect an improved appearance that feels natural and just like the teeth that remain. This can help to develop greater confidence in both how the individual looks, and in their ability to speak normally (without any slurring or difficulty in speech that can be the result of sliding dentures).

Patients can eat as they please

A missing tooth or teeth can make it difficult to eat, as can some kinds of dentures. Instead of being limited to a small range of foods, and having to rule out some things because of concerns about biting and chewing, patients who have had implants fitted can enjoy total freedom with meal times. Implants give back the ability to bite and chew food as normal, and this can be very liberating when the patient has previously struggled with eating.

Helps to keep the jaw bone healthy

When a tooth is lost, the bone around that area (particularly where the root previously resided) is reabsorbed back into the body. If there is no corrective treatment for this, the jaw bone can become diminished which impacts on the oral health and physical appearance of the patient. Dental implants can correct this by replacing the root of the tooth and encouraging the jaw to become firmer and healthier.

A solution that lasts

Alternatives to implants, such as dentures and bridges, usually have to be replaced every 5-10 years or so. This is a solution that patients can rely on for many years to come. The implants may need occasional adjustments, but otherwise have the potential to endure for decades. This is especially true for patients who are committed to taking good care of their teeth and gums, and at Clapham South Dental Centre, we can advise on how best to do this.

Who is a good candidate?

Patients with a regular oral hygiene routine and who have good bone density are often suitable candidates for implants. If this is not the case, and for example, there is some gum disease present or the jaw bone is not as healthy as it should be, we can advise on a course of treatment to resolve any issues before commencing with an implant treatment. We want our patients to have the best possible outcome at every stage of treatment, so why not find out more about what we can offer?

Oral implants are considered the pinnacle in restorative dentistry with the capacity to replace individual teeth or a whole set of dentures. Dental Implants in Clapham are performed by Dr Aussia who holds qualifications in dental implantology and oral surgery with a very high success rate. However, there are situations which make implants inappropriate.

How they work

Modern Dental Implants in Clapham are formed from three components; the implant, the connector and the prosthetic.

The implant is a tapered, ridged titanium rod with a rounded tip which sits in the bone of the jaw and acts as an artificial root. It is held in place by the process of osseointegration, which happens when titanium integrates with the bone and is the reason why titanium is so widely used in surgery.

The connector attaches the titanium component to the prosthetics. This allows the implanting to occur in multiple stages, with a period left for the bone to heal. There are multiple options, as to what you may wish to fit onto the connecter from a single porcelain tooth, (not unlike a crown) to a set of dentures.

The fitting process

After an assessment and confirming that you’re suitable for the procedure, the implant treatment can be booked in. It usually takes one session to place the titanium root, then a second session 4-6 months after to have the prosthetic fitted.

What would make me unsuitable?

Most people can receive dental implants. The aspect of the procedure with the highest risk of failure is the root not ‘fixing’ into the bone. This is aggravated by bone disorders like dental imperfections, osteoporosis and medication which may prevent bone growth, like those used to treat cancer.

There is no evidence supporting age as a limitation unless there are underlying conditions, but a full set of adult teeth must be present and if below 18 parental consent must be given.

Are there other options?

Are there alternatives to Dental Implants in Clapham? Possibly – you would need to speak to Dr Aussia to make an impartial assessment and present you with your options, as it would vary on a case by case basis. If there are options to save teeth from unnecessary extraction, it should be explored first. This could involve crowns or mini-implants into a healthy root to build up a badly damaged tooth.

Implants have excellent longevity, even compared to root canal treated teeth, so in comparison, they are a superior form of restorative dentistry. There is the ability to disconnect a damaged prosthetic from the root via the converter and replace only the ceramic component, leaving the rest of the implant undisturbed in the jaw bone. This simplifies future treatments and reduces their cost and recovery time.

What is it like having a dental implant?

Most of the time, our patients find by the 2-year check-up, the implants are indistinguishable from the natural teeth. With the same care needs, 6-month check-ups and regular brushing, it’s easy to see why. Over time, the porcelain of the prosthetics may diverge from the natural enamel shade. This is due to the prosthetic being more stain-resistant than natural enamel and can be fixed by our team.