Dental implants can be used to securely anchor replacement teeth, leaving you with a new smile that looks and feels so natural, you will forget the teeth are not your own.

Each missing tooth does not necessarily require an individual implant to replace it. Often a more stable and cost-effective approach is to place an implant at either end of the 'tooth gap' and bridge across the implants with a dental bridge. The chewing function is then restored with a minimum number of implants.

Traditional bridge treatments require your dentist to file down the neighbouring healthy teeth, in order to attach the bridge in place. Dental implant technology alleviates the need to damage these healthy teeth, instead anchoring your bridge to implants, bonded with your jaw.

The implant itself is a titanium screw placed into the jaw, to replace an original root. It’s a straightforward process which can be completed under local anaesthetic. The implant will need 3 to 6 months to heal and bond with your jaw bone to provide a solid support for your replacement tooth.

Temporary replacement teeth are usually fitted at the same time as your implant placement, which will stay in place until the final restoration appointment.

Once your jaw has healed, an abutment will be fixed to the implant to hold your replacement teeth (crown or bridge) in place. Abutments are produced in titanium, gold or porcelain, and can come as a standard fit or crafted specifically for you. These options offer a range of aesthetic results, depending on your requirements.

Crowns or a dental bridge are then fitted on top, to replace your missing teeth. Your Bristol dentist will carefully match the colour of your crown to your natural teeth. 

Treatments

Single dental implant

An implant is a great choice for a single missing tooth, whether it’s visible or not, and the results can be life-changing. A single implant provides the foundation for a crown, which will be created at Longwell Green Dental & Implant Clinic to match your teeth exactly.

    Treatments

    Implant secured dentures

    Dentures can be uncomfortable, irritating and embarrassing. With advances in Implant Dentistry, Longwell Green Dental & Implant Clinic now have many innovative techniques for either denture stabilisation or completely replacing the need to wear a denture.

      Related FAQs

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      Is a dental implant right for me?

      Most healthy people, who regularly brush their teeth and visit the dentist, are suitable for implants. Dental implants can be a great solution for people of any age.

      While implants are suitable for most people, there are circumstances where implants may not be suitable. It’s important that you speak to your Portman dentist if you’re concerned about any of the below.

      1. Heavy smoking, which slows down and hinders the healing process.
      2. Excessive alcohol intake, which can disrupt healing of the gums.
      3. Those with a weak bones, as the implant needs to fuse with the bone in the jaw.
      4. Severe gum disease. Tooth decay and/or gum disease needs to be treated before proceeding with a dental implant. Gum disease is a major cause of bone loss, which would hinder the success of any implant procedure.
      5. People with compromised immune systems.
      6. People who suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism).
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      What is Immediate Loading?

      Immediate Loading is when a dental implant and crown are fitted at the same time. This is as opposed to a Delayed Loading implant, which is a two-stage process, separated by a period of up to six months.

      The main advantage of Immediate Loading is convenience. The procedure can be done in the same day, which is why it’s sometimes known as ‘the same day smile’.

      Other advantages are that it’s a quicker procedure, there’s no need to wait for the bone and implant to fuse, and you don’t need to wear a temporary bridge or dentures.

      However, the main disadvantage with Immediate Loading is that there’s an increased risk of loss of the implant, due to a failure of the bone to fuse sufficiently to the implant.

      Your Portman dentist will advise you on which technique will be the most beneficial for you.

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      Care & advice

      Dental phobia

      A member of your Longwell Green Dental & Implant Clinic team can help.

        Next steps

        Ready to see one of our team?

        If you're ready to take up treatment, get in touch on 0117 932 2313.