Dental Implants

Fitting a single dental implant is a quick, simple and painless way to replace a single tooth (or a small number of missing teeth).

It may well be the perfect solution if:

• You know you are about to lose one or more teeth
• You have a failed crown
• You have a cracked or broken tooth
• You have a failed root filling
• You have a wobbly/loose tooth (or a number of loose teeth – usually from gum disease)
• You have a badly decayed tooth

If you have very recently lost one or more teeth (eg through sports injury or decay) we may be able to save you time and money. Visit our Immediate dental implant page to find out how, but you really will have to be quick! Immediate implants are also great if you know you are about to lose a tooth.

We also offer Dental Implant bridges and retained dentures for multiple missing teeth.

Does it hurt?

The most surprising thing about Dental Implants is that there is very little pain. It looks like it should hurt, but the reality is that most dental pain is caused by touching a nerve on a live tooth. In this instance, we’re removing it entirely, so whilst there is some discomfort, we are extremely careful with all of our pain management at Old Mill Dental. We take the time and give all our consideration, and never rush.

While the operation is being carried out your jaw is numbed so that you don’t feel any pain. Our patients tell us that if there are only one or two implants inserted, they are able to go back to work or resume normal activities on the same day.

What does the treatment involve?

After an initial free consultation to find out whether dental implants are the right treatment for you, we carry out a detailed assessment and x-rays.

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from your tooth.

When multiple teeth are missing or failing, treatment options may include:

1. A removable partial denture
2. A multiple tooth-supported fixed bridge
3. An implant-supported bridge

A removable partial denture utilises clasps that grab onto adjacent, healthy teeth to hold the denture in place. The clasps, which are designed to fit snuggly onto the healthy teeth put pressure on the underlying gums and natural teeth they hook onto. This weakens the jawbone and loosens the supporting teeth, which often leads to additional tooth loss. In addition, because there is no root system for the missing teeth, the integrity of the jawbone is compromised, and the melting away of the bone (atrophy) is actually accelerated, resulting in more rapid bone deterioration.

Multiple tooth-supported fixed bridges is a conventional tooth replacement option and have all the complications, compromises and risks of a single tooth bridge, only to a much greater degree. Problems of decay, root canal infections, periodontal bone loss and bone atrophy can be worse simply because there are more teeth involved. Unfortunately, larger bridges fail faster than single tooth bridges.

An implant-supported bridge is far superior to removable partials or multiple tooth-supported fixed bridges:

• Dental implants virtually stop the bone resorption process (deterioration)
• Implants are much more comfortable and stable than partial dentures
• The integrity of the facial structure is maintained (no sagging jaw line)
• The gum line stays intact – not eaten away by metal clasps
• Natural biting and chewing capacity is restored
• Adjacent natural teeth are preserved
• You can eat what you want, when you want, where you want – steak, corn on the cob, apples, crunchy snacks, sticky snacks
• Dental implants look, act, and feel just like natural teeth
• Dental implants are permanent – no need to deal with messy adhesives or cleaning solutions

An extraction means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma or crowding.

What is an Implant Overdenture?

An implant overdenture fits over your own remaining natural teeth roots or dental implants that have been installed by your oral surgeon or another dental specialist. The retained root or implant provides you with excellent stability and support for your denture implants.

How are implant overdentures or denture implants different from regular dentures?

Unlike traditional dentures, root-supported or implant-supported overdentures or implant dentures are held in place by dental attachments which provide the retentive strength that you desire. An attachment retained implant overdenture will provide maximum retention, increase in function, and added health benefits. Implant overdenture attachments are composed of two working components; the root post which is cemented into your root or an implant abutment that is threaded into your implant, and the denture cap which is retained in the underside of your denture.

The most important consideration in your decision to choose an implant overdenture or denture implant is the limited retention and stability of a traditional denture that relies on suction alone. Over time, retention only worsens due to continual bone loss (atrophy) of your dental arches from the lack of teeth. When a tooth loses bone support through the years, its root can be saved and used to anchor an implant overdenture. The significant concerns regarding function, retention, stability, mastication (chewing), and speaking can be overcome by maintaining the level of bone present in the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). These issues can be successfully accomplished by keeping your own roots, or if you are edentulous (without teeth) having dental implants placed by your oral surgeon may be an option.

What are the benefits of implant overdentures or implant dentures?

• Saving your natural roots or having dental implants placed will preserve bone and will dramatically reduce bone resorption and deterioration that results in loss of jawbone height.
• Implant overdentures will control facial contour changes that lead to premature wrinkles and ageing.
• Implant overdentures will allow you to chew your food better and speak more clearly. Studies have proven that overdentures contribute to improved chewing efficiency and phonetics.
• Loose dentures that cause embarrassment will be eliminated. Messy denture creams and adhesives are no longer needed with denture implants.

We offer the state of the art All-on-4 implant system for patients who have a large number of missing teeth. All-on-4 restores full function to the mouth and enables patients to enjoy their new smiles straight away!

The All-on-4 treatment is often known as ‘same day teeth’. This treatment is ideal for those who wear dentures and require a full set of new teeth or those who have experienced problems with dentures in the past. The All-on-4 system was developed by the innovative Nobel Biocare and provides patients with the following benefits:

• Same-day smile – no need to worry about having no teeth for a long period of time.
• Suitable for patients who have been advised against traditional implants as a result of a lack of bone tissue.
• Suitable for patients who have lost all of their natural teeth.
• No need for grafting procedures.
• No need to wait for the implants to heal
• No need for a series of dental appointments thus lowering overall costs.
• No need for complex surgical procedures
• Eliminates many of the problems experienced by denture wearers, such as irritation, loose dentures and discomfort.
• You can eat what you like
• They are easy to maintain
• No need to worry about speech impediments
• Enhanced facial aesthetics
• No need for adhesive or fixatives.

How Does The All-on-4 Implant System Work?

Normally, at least 6 implants are required to support a full arch of new teeth. However, with the ground-breaking All-on-4 implant system only 4 implants are actually required. All-on-4 implants are able to bear an entire arch due to their specific angle positioning at the front of the mouth, where the bone is strongest.

How the All-on-4 Implant System works:

• Two implants are placed at the front of the mouth
• Two implants are placed at the back of the mouth
• The front implants are positioned vertically
• The implants found at the back are placed at 45-degree angles
• The system uses the dense bone at the front of the mouth to provide maximum support for the arch.
• The implants are attached to the new restorations within the same day
• The patient is then able to show off their brand new smile.

What Can I Expect from Treatment?

Stage 1: Consultation

• Meet with one of our dental experts
• Discuss the treatment and ask any questions that may be concerning you.
• Your dentist will check that you are a suitable candidate for treatment
• Your dentist will carry out X-rays and examine your mouth
• Your dentist will discuss each of your treatment options with you.

Stage 2: Placing the implants

• The implants are placed in pre-determined positions within the jaw bone
• Any surgical procedures or tooth extractions are carried out during this appointment.
• The new teeth are placed and fixed into position
• You can show off your new smile
• Your dentist will explain post-operative instructions and arrange a follow-up appointment.

Stage 3: Follow-up session

• Your dentist will review the treatment and check that the implants are working well and that you are happy with your new teeth.
• If any adjustments or modifications are required, your dentist will arrange another treatment session.