When many dental patients consider undergoing oral implants, many have concerns about the aftercare and the potential for complications to arise.

Of course, many dental procedures carry risks and oral implants are no exception; patients often worry about discomfort after the implants are fitted, and frequently ask their dental practitioners about how they can speed up the healing time and avoid infection. Because, the sooner that the implants heal, the sooner they are likely to fuse and the sooner you can get those glorious prosthetics fitted!

Oral implants are not only a way to fill the gaps in your smile, but they also offer benefits such as improving oral health, allowing you to bite into food with confidence and can stabilise any natural teeth surrounding them. So, we understand that you want them in and healed as soon as possible.

When you come to see us to have dental implants in Clapham, our team at Clapham South Dental Centre will ensure that the fitting process is plain sailing, to decrease the risk of complications arising. However, you have to do your part too with the aftercare and in this article, we will discuss the best ways to improve the healing time!

So, here are five key tips for faster healing after having dental implants in Clapham!

No smoking!

As our team at Clapham South Dental will tell you, smoking is best avoided altogether when it comes to having dental implants in Clapham.

Smoking creates an entire barrage of problems for your mouth in general and after you have had minor surgery for your implants, this habit can cause a longer healing process due to oxygen deprivation. So, if you want your oral implants to heal without fuss, cut out smoking.

Healthy foods

Foods that are high in nutrients and minerals are beneficial after you have had your oral implants.

If you deprive your body of nutrients, you are inadvertently putting your body under stress and can weaken your immune system. Having a weak immune system is not something you want to endure when you have had surgery, as the risk of infections increases; it’s best to eat your greens!

Salt wash

Where would dentistry be without salt water?

Our team at Clapham South Dental Centre will advise you to wash your mouth out with lukewarm salt water up to 3 times a day while your implant site heals.

This will reduce inflammation, discomfort and the risk of infection.

No pressure

For the first few weeks post-implant fitting, avoid eating harder foods that could add pressure to the implant site. Harder foods like carrots or fruits may cause the implants to move under your gum, which will have a detrimental impact on the healing time.

Rest

And finally, after your implant fitting, you need to rest to aid the recovery.

Skip the gym, avoid strenuous exercise and if you need to sleep, do. Take it as easy as possible and try to avoid all unnecessary forms of stress. Just relax.

When investing in your appearance, whether its a gym membership, cosmetic surgery or even dentistry, we at Clapham South Dental Centre know that you want that investment to be worthwhile. You will also want it to last for as long as possible and with dental implant surgery, your overall oral health and smile aesthetics is our top priority by giving you a new healthy set of teeth that can last 20 years to a lifetime.

What are implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post or screw that is surgically fitted into and fuses with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a false tooth like a crown, bridge, or denture. This fusion that occurs with modern dental implants in Clapham is called osseointegration and is a natural biological process, titanium is something that bones love to attach to as they grow so it is the best material dentists can use for this procedure.

What is the process?

The process from beginning to end is a long one but well worth it, dental implants in Clapham may first require that a decayed or broken tooth be removed; the socket where the root fits into the jaw must be empty and cleaned out before the implant cant be placed.

The tooth extraction and the implant procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so you will not feel anything and after the extraction is complete, your dentist will decide if you will need a bone graft to ensure a solid base is present which is necessary for the implant to fit into. If the bone graft turns out to be a long procedure, you may need to wait 2-6 months for the area to heal properly before the actual implant surgery but if there’s enough bone, to begin with, your dentist can place the implants immediately.

By using specialised equipment, your dentist will place the titanium implant into the bone of your jaw or skull after which the gum is stitched up. Then you are sent home to heal before your next appointment but not before a temporary denture is placed in the gap to ensure your smile still looks good during the healing process. Depending on the quality of your bone, healing time can take 2-6 months, but the process will make the implant strong enough to fit a false tooth to without risking damage.

Benefits

When our natural teeth are missing or have to be taken out because of decay, there is nothing left for the jawbone to hang onto therefore there is nothing to encourage new bone growth; your body can sense this and it simply begins to dissolve away. This is a natural part of ageing but results in the rapid deterioration of the facial structure making you look much older than you actually are as your lips and teeth seem to fold in, wrinkles develop around the mouth and even your chin shape changes but with dental implants in Clapham at the right time, you can take years off your smile by reforming the original structure.

Getting dental implants in Clapham is a lengthy procedure, but absolutely necessary if you are missing a tooth. However, that doesn’t mean that you will be living with an unsightly gap for months on end while you wait for your body to do its part of the treatment. There are various ways we at Clapham South Dental Centre can save your image and help you remain confident, while you wait for the treatment to be complete.

The procedure explained

Implants are often the best dental restoration option if you have lost one or more teeth, the procedure is approved by the FDA and involves surgery and recovery time. Once you have been to a consultation and are approved for surgery, your dentist will remove any bits of damaged tooth that remain or in some cases, if a tooth needs to first be removed because it’s damage is irreparable, they will perform that surgery first.

Once the area is properly cleaned, a bone grafting procedure may need to take place, if it is necessary, in order to create the correct space in which to anchor the implant, once this part of the jaw has been properly prepared then the titanium implant is set in place. Titanium is used as it is an alloy that is least likely to be rejected by the body, in some cases a special coating is used to encourage bone growth.

The area over the newly placed implant is covered for protection and a temporary crown or denture is set in place in the gap to match your other teeth, while you wait for your body to heal. This temporary covering may be secured to other teeth without damaging them, ensuring that your day to day life is not affected by a gap.

Why it takes a while

The surgery for dental implants in Clapham only takes a couple of hours, but then it is up to your body to do the rest of the work. This regeneration takes time depending on each person, as your jawbone needs to grow around the implant to secure it in place, as it would a regular tooth. This bone growing process is called osseointegration and depending on the age and health of each person’s bones the time it takes may vary.

Once this healing time is complete, your dentist may need to place an abutment to the implant, this is the piece that the final crown will be secured to. It involves a small surgery where the gum is reopened and the abutment is attached.

The final result

Your dental implants in Clapham will finally be complete when a permanent false tooth, crown or bridge of teeth is attached to the implant. These will be custom created to match your other teeth in size, shape, and colour and look as believable as real teeth, as the porcelain used in their creation mimic a natural tooth’s translucent appearance. By practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining these new teeth is as simple as maintaining your own, the implants are designed to last almost a lifetime and may very well do so for you.

Dental Implants in Clapham are a viable option for those who seek to replace lost teeth. This treatment can be used to improve the overall look and structure of the mouth, missing teeth can be replaced, improving the look of your smile. This treatment is classed as restorative dentistry. The implant is placed at the jaw bone and crowns can then be built up on top. These crowns can fit perfectly as they can be moulded to match your other teeth. This is also true of the colour of the new crowns, these crowns come in natural-looking shades so the appearance of your smile can be uninterrupted. They also act as functional teeth and so can help you gain back the full usage of your mouth. These implants can be long-lasting providing that they are well looked after. This includes keeping up with regular brushing and flossing. Regularly attending dental check-up appointments can also help with the long-lasting nature of these implants.

What is the procedure?

Dental Implants in Clapham follows a carefully planned procedure to allow the most effective results. If you choose to have an implant fitted you will need to participate in a consultation, where you will receive an individual treatment plan. This treatment is specific to you and the procedure that you will undergo. Your dentist will answer any questions that you may have and outline any costs and the expected time taken for the procedure. On the second appointment, you will be fitted with the implant, provided that you have enough bone. Time is then needed for your bone to fuse with the new implant, this process can take around six months. When you return after these 6 months the final crown, bridge or denture is used to complete the work. If you do not have enough bone for the process to take place, artificial bone can be used – however, this does lengthen the time the procedure takes.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

Dental Implants in Clapham can offer you many different benefits. The replaced teeth act like natural teeth and so you can gain function of your mouth again. Your remaining teeth are not damaged during the process and there is no pressure, making it an accessible option. These implants can also offer other benefits besides just convenience. The overall appearance of the mouth is improved, by looking and feeling just like your own teeth. Because the overall structure of the mouth will be improved your speech and level of comfort can be improved. You can also find that eating becomes easier with the improved structure of the mouth. Oral health can be improved as teeth and gums can become easier to clean. This treatment option can be durable for many different patients. Many of our patients have been very happy with the results of this treatment. They have reported feeling much better about themselves and their smile following the treatment as their self-esteem had been boosted as a result of a better appearance for their smile.

So, you did it.

You took the plunge and got oral implants fitted; good for you!

Not only have you invested in a cosmetic option that will improve your smile, but oral implants have been linked to improved oral health, better digestion, and improved speech. What’s not to love about that?

As you leave your dental surgery post-fitting, you may have some questions that you either forgot to ask your dentist or have only just thought of. After all, you have undertaken a large procedure and, of course, you want to know how to keep the implants, your gums and your mouth healthy for the next few months, so you can have the prosthetic teeth fitted.

If you came to Clapham South Dental to have your dental implants in Clapham, then you chose an experienced dental team who can help you through the next few months with confidence and experience. Our team has fitted thousands of oral implants and are knowledgeable about the healing process and beyond.

But, what are some of the most frequent questions we are asked by our patients about dental implants in Clapham? Read on to find out!

Can I brush my teeth after the fitting?

This is a common question we are asked and, as odd as it may sound, our team will recommend that you do not brush the implant site until the stitches have healed.

While this may seem counterintuitive, brushing the area may cause additional inflammation and even cause the stitches to open, creating further complications.

If there are any natural teeth in your mouth, brush them as you normally would, but be very careful. To keep the implants and the surrounding site clean, gargle salt water as required. This will also speed up the healing and reduce the chance of infection.

Will it be painful?

You may experience some discomfort after having, but this should be minimal.

Sensations akin to those of having had extractions or root canals are common, along with some soreness of the gum. dental implants in Clapham

What should I look out for?

Keep an eye out for excessive inflammation and discolouration at the implant site. These are indicative of an infection. Look out for swelling to the face, jaw or neck, as these are also symptoms of an infection that requires urgent treatment.

If you are in an excessive amount of pain, call our team immediately.

Can I smoke or drink after they are fitted?

Once fitted, do not smoke any substances or drink alcohol for two weeks minimum.

To avoid discomfort, do not consume any hot liquids, such as soups or teas and avoid ice-based products too.

Is there any food I should avoid?

Once your implants are fitted, avoid eating spicy foods like curries; these will aggravate your gums and encourage inflammation.

Avoid eating hard foods, like fruits and raw veg, and eat lukewarm foods that are soft and easy to chew; additional pressure caused by hard foods may cause the implants to come loose or detach completely.

When looking for a way to restore your smile, you may feel that the only way to close the gaps is with dentures or bridges; after all, people have used these prosthetics since ancient Egypt, so they must be the best!

However, if you are more interested in oral implants to restore your smile to its former glory, but have been told by your dentist that you are unsuitable for the traditional endosteal implants, it may seem that the only options left are bridges or dentures.

Not to worry! As implant dentistry has advanced, so have the different types of implants that cosmetic dentists can use and now, even if you have a weak jawbone or have less bone than necessary for the endosteal fittings, there are other options available to you.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team is experienced in using dental implants in Clapham and can offer you different types depending on your unique clinical situation. Ensuring that you are informed every step of the way, we can help you get your smile back to its former glory, with a permanent and natural-looking solution.

But what are the different types of dental implants in Clapham that you may be suitable for? Read on to find out.

Micro or mini-implants

Typically 1.8 to 3.3 mm wide and 10 mm in length, as the name suggests, micro or mini dental implants in Clapham are smaller versions of the traditional endosteal implant.

The micro implants that we typically use are made from two parts; the titanium post that has a ball on the end and a socket with a ring made of rubber, which attaches to the titanium post.

Suitable for dental patients who have either lost too much jawbone or do not want to undertake the lengthy and invasive surgeries that accompany endosteal implants, micro-implants can be fitted in one visit and will not require any sutures or stitches.

Zygomatic implants

Only used for those who need implants on their top jaw, zygomatic implants are about 3 times longer than traditional endosteal options.

Fitted to the zygoma or cheekbone, this implant is used if the dental patient has insufficient jawbone in their upper jaw and is also a more successful alternative to bone grafting procedures.

Placed diagonally into the cheekbone, these implants can hold a complete upper denture with ease, meaning there will be no rubbing or movement. Brilliant!

Subperiosteal implants

Typically made out of a light, metal framework, subperiosteal implants are used when the jaw bone has atrophied or has been extensively damaged.

Fitted under the gum line but placed on top of the jaw, these act as a root system for your new prosthetic teeth. Once in place, our team will then attach your new teeth to this framework, meaning there will be no drilling into your jaw, lengthy recovery time or extensive surgery.

Think oral implants might be for you? Contact our team at Clapham South Dental for more information about these restorative procedures.

You are likely to have heard the buzz about oral implants.

A long term solution to missing teeth, implants have taken the cosmetic dental world by storm, with more dental patients than ever having them fitted. And it is easy to see why.

Long-lasting, hardy, natural appearance combined with a stronger bite, what else could you want in a dental prosthesis?

However, like most things that are new, it is likely that you have also read some tall tales about oral implants, which have deterred you from approaching your dentist about them.

If you want to have implants fitted but are worried about these myths, come to us. Our team at Clapham South Dental can set the record straight in relation to dental implants in Clapham, ensuring that you are well informed about this procedure and feel comfortable having implants fitted.

But what are some of the more persistent myths surrounding dental implants in Clapham? Read on to find out.

Oral implants are really painful

It is easy to see where this myth came from.

Rest assured that when you come to us for dental implants in Clapham, you will be completely numbed before we begin fitting the implants into your jaw bone.

While pain is subjective, many patients have compared the sensation to a dental extraction; therefore, any discomfort should be easily managed with over the counter painkillers. If you become concerned about the amount of pain you are experiencing, you should contact us as soon as you can.

Oral implants look really fake

False teeth or prosthetics don’t have to look false and with the improvements in dental technology, it is not a very difficult thing to achieve.

The prosthetic teeth fitted to an implant will have been colour, shape, and size-matched to any remaining natural teeth that you have. Simply put, any teeth you have attached to an implant will not look fake. If you have no remaining natural teeth, if you have any old photographs of your smile, show them to our dental team and we will try our hardest to give you that smile back!

Oral implants are too pricey

The price tag affixed to oral implants can leave many dental patients feeling dizzy.

However, at Clapham South Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our oral implant patients an affordable payment plan to help spread the cost of treatment.

Oral implants require a lot of extra care

Aside from an initial set of follow-up appointments to check for infection, oral implants can be treated the same as natural teeth. Just brush, floss and attend dental check-ups twice a year!

Oral implants cause infections in your jaw

Yikes, what an off-putting myth!

Oral implants, if fitted by a qualified and experienced implant dentist, should not cause any infections in your jaw or elsewhere. If you are concerned about an infection post-fitting, contact a member of our team immediately.

Modern-day dental implants in Clapham may be recently invented. However, humans have used innovative methods of restoring teeth since ancient times.

We have come a long way since the days of hammering wood and seashells into gums without anaesthesia. Now we dentists excel at giving people a reason to smile again, with a prosthesis that really works as a natural tooth.

Have you lost some teeth recently due to an unfortunate accident? Or perhaps the side effects of ageing has resulted in tooth loss? Dental implants in Clapham provide a permanent solution to a very real and severe problem.

What is a tooth implant?

While the procedure has been around for a few decades, many are still unaware of the outstanding features of its groundbreaking implications. They choose devices, such as dentures, that they know and which have been around for longer.

That said, while dentures and similar restorative aids provide a good solution to a gummy mouth, they are no longer the only solution. You now have several choices at your fingertips, including dental implants in Clapham.

Put simply; implants mainly comprise of two parts, a small titanium screw to act as a surrogate tooth root and the visible crown to blend in with remaining natural teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth, or to support a bridge or dentures replacing more.

In a surgical procedure, our team insert the screw into the jawbone and suture up the surrounding tissue once it is embedded. Then the healing begins, which takes weeks or months depending on the pace at which you recover.

How are dental implants in Clapham different from conventional devices?

Tooth implants not only bear a striking resemblance to real teeth, but they also function like them.

With implants, you can enjoy all the activities you did before you became inhibited by a missing tooth or an old, faulty denture.

Talk without worrying about your device slipping out of place and eat what you like, knowing a denture or related contraption will not break or crack.

Sign me up

As desirable as a tooth implant appears to be, there are a few considerations you should take note of, before treatment can begin.

These include:

Needing enough jawbone

A major downfall of having used dentures in the past is that these do not exercise your underlying jawbone, which means the longer you wear the device, the more bone resorbs from not being exercised.

While a tooth implant can reverse these effects, you need enough jawbone to fit the titanium piece, which may require you to undergo bone grafts if you still wish to have the device fitted.

Possessing healthy gums

Bad cleaning techniques may leave you with a gum infection. If caught early enough, it can be easily treated with a professional cleaning with our oral hygienist. Following this, you are probably a viable candidate for the treatment.

What else should I know?

Tooth implants are considered by some to be quite expensive. However, they should be treated as an investment for your teeth and worth the higher cost.

At the same time, compared to other devices, dental implants in Clapham last a long time if looked after correctly.

Tooth implants are an investment in your oral health – phone our practice, Clapham South Dental Centre for more information.

They might just be teeth, but losing pearly whites can have a profound impact on the way you feel about your general appearance. From the way you smile, talk, and chew, all avenues are changed for the worse.

If you are looking for a replacement solution that you can trust, discuss your needs with our implant specialist, Dr. Aussia, who will restore your old teeth with dental implants in Clapham.

Here is how we can help you

It does not matter how your teeth loss occurred; whether it was due to an accident, age, or neglect, we can assist with growing your confidence in your smile again.

Our practice, Clapham South Dental Care, provides various services to help you to optimise your oral health while keeping your teeth bright, white, and clean.

We may offer a lot in terms of the dental procedures to our patients, but we are particularly prideful about our dental implants in Clapham. Not only do we help people not to restore their teeth, but also their quality of living in small ways.

How will dental implants in Clapham improve my life?

Missing teeth not only limit your life by making everyday tasks like eating, chewing, and talking a challenge but can also cause further tooth and bone loss.

Have you ever noticed the shape of your jaw changing, looking shriveled, and making you look prematurely aged? If you do not replace the lost teeth, the bone underneath it becomes brittle and eventually resorbs due to lack of use. As a result, if the issue is not treated, you will lose multiple teeth.

A dental implant in Clapham replaces your missing tooth at the root, which means that the underneath bone is stimulated as a result. By chewing, eating, and talking, the implant will press down on the bone, helping to regenerate lost tissue while keeping it strong and healthy.

What does dental implant surgery entail?

During the surgical procedure, we drill tiny screws, which are made of titanium, into the space where your missing pearly white once stood.

We then suture these up and leave the rest up to biology. Over the next few months, the surrounding tissue meshes with metal in a process called osseointegration, which relates to the successful integration between bone and titanium.

Are there any restrictions to getting dental implants in Clapham?

You may wonder that if implants are life changing, why are more people not turning to them as a restorative treatment?

The truth of the matter is that not everyone is healthy enough for tooth implants, either because of gum conditions or possess a lack of bone.

Having disease-riddled gums or insufficient bone might be obstacles that delay you from obtaining implants, but it will not prevent you entirely. However, you might have to wait another few months before you can boast your new teeth to the world.

Something else you should factor in if you are considering implants is the price because they are costly. However, the device can last forever and will grant you a life unrestricted by your false teeth.

If you are new to the area and looking for a dentist who can provide dental implants, you should try Clapham South Dental Centre – we’re passionate about looking after your teeth. At Clapham South Dental Centre our highly trained dentists excel at providing a warm and caring approach to their dentistry, because patient care is always at the forefront of everything we do.

Who are we and what do we offer?

Our team of highly qualified and specialist dentists here at Clapham South Dental Centre represent dental excellence in a wide range of dentistry. We employ an integrated and team-lead approach to our dentistry, as having such a multitude of dental excellence all on hand and all under one roof allows us to provide a truly exceptional level of dental service to our patients. We accept patients from other dental practices who have been referred to us for specialist orthodontics and dental implants. We offer a comprehensive range of dental treatment including routine and preventive dentistry including check-ups and general dentistry.  We believe in giving patients the choice when it comes to their dental treatment so we offer both NHS and private dentistry. Every person is an individual and so their smiles are as individual as they are, this is why we believe it is important to  take the time to really get to know our patients, so we can really understand what they would like to achieve.

What are dental implants?

Sometimes however, and despite our best efforts, brushing alone is not enough to maintain our teeth and smile, and you may find that you will need restorative dentistry including dental implants in Clapham.

Dental implants in Clapham are an almost permanent and well established solution to treating missing, broken and damaged teeth, as well providing stabilisation for dentures. If your teeth are missing or beyond viable repair a specialist dentist will place a titanium post into your gum which will, in time, become fused and integrated within the gum. This is a routine and well established procedure and is carried out by specially trained dentists. The titanium post, when in place, will act as a firm anchor and a long term replacement for missing and damaged teeth. Your specialist dentist will then be able to create a new beautiful smile using crowns, bridges and dentures, which look, function and feel like natural teeth. It  is always rewarding to see our patients radiate a new found confidence and sense of well-being when having  undergone this procedure to create a new fabulous smile.

Why do I need them ?

Once your teeth are replaced there is no need to hide your mouth when you smile, because of unsightly or missing teeth, we understand how embarrassing and awkward this must be for you both in business and in social settings. There are many reasons why people come to see us wanting to receive implants, you are not alone. We are specialists at making sure you get the right treatment which will be tailored just for you and we will make sure we will soon get you smiling again. In order to help, we offer a range of payment options to cover the cost of your treatment, including interest free finance.