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.

The differences between dental procedures such as the bridge or crown and the implant are its integration with the jaw. It is a substantial treatment, taking between 4-6 months to complete. Here at the Dental? ?Center, we have been performing dental implants in Clapham? ?since 2011.  

What is an implant

There are three components to our dental implants in Clapham; the titanium implant, placed below the gum line which is osseointegrated into the jaw bone, the connector that sits at the gumline, and the prosthetic itself, which may be an individual tooth similar to a crown, or a bridge. A complete set of implants can be used to anchor a whole set of dentures.

The titanium implant

Since the ’50s, titanium has been the standard surgical metal due to an effect called osseointegration. When a piece of titanium is placed next to or in living bone, new bone growth occurs at the interface of the metal. This new bone is so closely associated with the titanium that it is glued or fused into place. This takes time and the delay between fitting the implants and them being fully osseointegrated is the biggest factor in determining the length of the treatment.

The connector

The earliest implants did not have connectors, forcing the patient to avoid solid food as the implants ‘set’. The next generation of locking connectors allowed the patient to have their implants set below the gum line, with very little risk that they would disturb them. When the prosthetic was attached it would permanently be locked in place. If a prosthetic became damaged or needed to be replaced the whole implant would have to be extracted.

The modern connectors we use with our dental implants in Clapham are non-locking, so that in the event a prosthetic needs to be replaced, it can be taken off of the implant and a new one fitted without the implant being extracted.

The prosthetic

The prosthetic is highly variable depending on the patients’ needs. Five implants can be used to immobilize a set of dentures, fixing them to the jaw and eliminating rubbing. Or an implant can be used as the artificial root for a single prosthetic tooth.

Maintaining implants

After setting, the maintenance of implants is very similar to that of natural teeth, check-ups every 6 months are still recommended along with normal brushing and dental hygiene. This is one of the biggest attractions for patients who seek out dental implants in Clapham, as they are the closest replacement available to natural teeth. With colour and translucency matching goes unnoticed.

Counter indications

If you have a blood clotting condition, low bone density, severe gum disease or receding gums, implants may not be right for you. But you should talk to our dentist to find out what your options are, as special arrangements can be made or a referral to a specialist.

For further information, you can contact us at info@dentist-clapham.co.uk or call on 0208 673 3250. We are located at 15 Balham Hill, SW12 9DY.

Gaps in your smile or loose, ill-fitting dentures can do a lot of damage to your confidence, so much so that low self-esteem can even lead to depression, all because you are afraid to smile and laugh in public. For those with a normal and complete set of teeth this may seem silly, but at Clapham South Dental Care we understand how those of you with missing teeth must be feeling. However, this doesn’t have to be a life sentence, especially for those of you who have endured dentures for a long time. With dental implants in Clapham, we can restore your smile in order for you to lead a healthy and happy life to its fullest potential, never having to hide your laughter behind your hand but rather join in with all the joys your family and friends bring.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is implanted into the bone of the jaw. An abutment is connected to the implant and a false tooth or row of false teeth are connected to the abutment. Dental implants in Clapham serve two functions:

1 – Support false teeth.

2 – Support the bone structure of the jaw. Once a tooth or multiple teeth come out, the bone that they are anchored to no longer serves a purpose so the body begins to dissolve it. By securing a titanium implant in the tooth’s place we are able to ensure that the bone not only remains in place but is encouraged to grow back due to the nature of titanium, combined with the human bone matter.

What types of implants are there?

All dental implants in Clapham are more or less exactly the same, the difference is that they can serve a multitude of functions:

Single – A single dental implant can be used to support and replace a single missing tooth.

Multiple – Two dental implants can be used to support a bridge of teeth should a few teeth in a row be missing.

All on 4 – This is a procedure that is used to support an entire set of dentures on only 4 implants (2 at the top and 2 at the bottom) by fixing dentures into place. Those wearing them can be more confident about their life without having to worry about their teeth falling out at an embarrassing moment.

What is involved during surgery?

Once you have been cleared for dental implant surgery we will numb the areas of the face that need to be worked on. It is important to note for nervous patients that this surgery can be performed under sedation, so that you can get through it without any anxiety. Once the area is numb we will cut open the gum so that we can drill a hole into the bone big enough for the implant to be screwed in. Once the implant is in, we will close it up again and send you home for 6 months in order for the healing and fusing process to be complete, but don’t worry, you will be provided with a temporary crown or denture for that time.

After 6 months an abutment will be fitted to the dental implants in Clapham upon which a false tooth or set of false teeth can be fixed and then your treatment is complete.

In order to secure a set of dentures with dental implants in Clapham, we need to ensure that you have enough bone to do so from the get-go in order to have a successful surgery. However, if you have been wearing loose dentures for years, you may be at risk of having lost too much bone and will first require bone grafting before we can proceed with implants. At Clapham South Dental Centre, we want you to be able to enjoy everything that life has to offer, and we understand that a secure set of teeth will really help you with this which is why we will always ensure that you are a good candidate for implants before you undergo surgery.

Assessment

At your consultation appointment, we will use a number of X-rays and scans to determine how much bone you have in your jaw and whether you are a good candidate to receive dental implants in Clapham immediately or not. However, if you are not a good candidate for the dental implant procedure right away it is not the end of the line but instead the very beginning; we can still help the process along with a bone grafting surgery that will help provide you with enough bone to stabilise implants.

Time consuming treatments

If you are willing to undergo a bone graft as well as dental implant surgery you need to first know and accept that it is going to be at least a year before you will be able to wear a securely fixed set of teeth. This is because each of these major surgeries has a long recovery period that needs to be adhered to if it is going to be successful.

The two surgeries

Bone graft – A bone graft surgery will be done in a hospital under general anaesthetic. We will first determine where the best area will be to implant new bone and then a piece of your own bone, that is either taken from the hip or chin, will be implanted into the upper jaw. When we use your own tissue to do this, your body is far less likely to reject it than some other foreign organic matter like an animal bone thus ensuring that the surgery is a success. In a case where we cannot take your own bone, we will use a synthetic substitute that is determined to work just as well. After the surgery, you will need to wait 6 months for your body to heal and regrow new bone.

Why is this surgery needed? The length of time you have gone without teeth has caused your jaw bone to dissolve substantially enough that it can no longer support the dental implants in Clapham implant.

Dental implants – after the 6 months is over, there will have been enough bone growth in your jaw so that we can perform the implant surgery; we insert titanium implants into the jaw which will support your dentures after they have had another 6 months to fuse with your new bone. We cannot secure a set of dentures to newly fitted implants as they are not stable enough to do so but we will let you use a temporary set of dentures during this waiting period. This way you can still eat and speak as usual until we are ready to fix them to the implants thus stabilizing them so they will not fall out.

Whether you are 17 or 70, having missing teeth can put a real dent in your confidence. While teeth are not only great for showing off when you meet new people or attend interviews, they are also essential for healthy digestion and consumption of food. In the past, many people have approached their dentists for dentures or bridges to cover both of these bases, only to find that fitted bridges can put additional pressure on the teeth that they are attached to and of course, no matter how well fitted dentures are, they can rub.

The alternative is to leave these gaps in your smile as they are and to manage as best as you can. But, unfortunately, this can allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate, especially if there are natural teeth either side of the gap. Also, as the gum and jaw shrink due to the lost tooth, any nearby natural teeth may move and even fall out!

Luckily, there is a solution. When you come to our team at Clapham South Dental, we may be able to offer you dental implants in Clapham. Designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and more functional than dentures, these prosthetics are the perfect solution for missing teeth. Perfect! Want to know more about dental implants in Clapham? Read on!

Can anyone have them fitted?

Unfortunately, no. While many people are suited to having dental implants in Clapham, you have to have a good level of oral health and have enough jaw bone to make this option viable.

While our team at Clapham will always endeavour to meet your cosmetic requirements, if you are a smoker or consume alcohol regularly, then your implants are unlikely to last.

Are they uncomfortable?

Many patients worry that having implants fitted will be painful but, as many of our previous patients have told us, it is no more uncomfortable than having a tooth extracted. Also, our team will ensure that your mouth is sufficiently numbed before we begin this process and afterwards, the implant site may feel tender for a few days. If you find the discomfort is not controllable with over-the-counter pain relief, contact our team.

How long does the fitting take?

This depends on how many implants you are having fitted. For one implant, you can expect to be in the dental chair for up to or over an hour. However, once fitted, you will need to wait for 3-6 months for it to fuse to your jawbone so the crown (tooth) can be attached.

How long do they last?

With proper care and healthy lifestyle choices, a correctly fitted implant can last up to 40 years! Remember, smoking, alcohol consumption and poorly managed oral health will shorten this substantially.

Do they need special aftercare?

Not really. After fitting, be careful not to irritate the implant site and eat soft foods to enable faster healing. Apply minimal to no pressure, avoid mouthwash and use salt water to clean the implant site until the inflammation eases.