If you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth as a result of poor dental hygiene or an accident or injury, then you need to speak to our dentist and find out about dental implants Clapham. Dental implants Clapham are a popular and highly effective method of replacing missing teeth in adults. Dental implants Clapham are small, titanium screws that have been designed to replace tooth roots. Titanium dental implants have been in use since the 1960s, and they have an excellent success rate and can last for the whole of your life.

To begin with, our dentist will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. They will need to carry out an X-ray as well to assess your bone health. This will then help our dentist decide whether or not dental implants are suitable for you. If so, our dentist will be able to decide what size implant you need, including the height and width, how the implant will need to be positioned and how many implants you will need, depending on the number of teeth that need replacing. Healthy alveolar bone is very important for successful dental implant surgery. The implant will be inserted directly into your jawbone. Therefore you need a healthy jawbone to hold the implant in place.

Bone graft

Some patients require a bone graft. A bone graft adds volume and density to the jawbone. Bone grafting material may be taken from yourself, it may be synthetic or it may be from a human tissue bank. If carried out immediately after you lose a tooth then it preserves the bone and prevents bone decay. Other times a bone graft may be used is if there is thinning of the alveolar bone. Bone grafts are very common and the advantage is that they restore your jaw to its original form.

Dental implant surgery

Once the bone graft has been completed and has healed, you will then be booked in for dental implant surgery. As mentioned our dentist will have already decided what size implant you need and how it will be positioned into your mouth. You will be given a local anaesthetic to prevent any pain and discomfort. The gum will be cut open and a small hole will be drilled into the bone socket of the missing tooth. The implant will be inserted into the hole and the gum will be stitched back into place. Depending on how many teeth you are replacing and the number of implants you need, the surgery can take 2 to 3 hours. You can ask for sedation if you suffer from dental anxiety. When the surgery is finished, you may feel some discomfort. This includes soreness, swelling, bleeding or bruising. Any discomfort is usually treated with regular painkillers and should only last up to a week. Our dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions to ease any discomfort.

The healing process takes between 4 and 6 months and by visiting us on a regular basis during this time you can make sure that your implant will heal successfully. The implant will then be fitted with a customised crown or a set of dentures, depending on the number of teeth that you are replacing. Speak to our dentist today to find out more.