Dental Implants

Improving your appearance, your smile and your confidence


Dental implants are one of the most advanced treatments available in dentistry and as well as improving your smile aesthetically this treatment can also benefit your dental health. For patients who are missing one or more teeth, for whatever the reason, dental implants can therefore be an ideal solution.

The treatment itself involves placing a small titanium screw (dental implant) into the jawbone. These remain out of sight and provide an artificial root, to which prosthetic teeth can be attached.

Dental implant surgery does not take long and thanks to the use of anaesthetic, it is in most cases, a pain-free experience. Once the procedure is complete, it is normal to wait for the implant to intgerate with the jawbone and during this time you will be fitted with a temporary restoration. After approximatley 6 weeks the final crown, bridge or denture can be fitted and provided you maintain good oral hygiene, your dental implants will be a seamless replacement for missing teeth and potentially last a lifetime.

Dr Whitehead is a skilled practitioner who has been placing and restoring implants for almost 15 years. The type of implant used is an important factor in the success of treatment and for this reason we only use implants from the world’s leading manufacturers, Straumann and Nobel Biocare.

Computer Guided Implant Surgery

CGIS Scan

Guided implant surgery uses a CT scan to produce 3-D images, this helps to plan implant surgery in a very accurate way. Conventional implant planning uses 2 dimensional x-ray images which can have its limitations because precise placement can sometimes be difficult.
Because guided implant surgery uses the CT data to examine and pre-plan surgery, precision execution can be achieved.

Benefits of computer guided implant surgery include:

  • Implants may be possible in cases without a CT scan, the surgeon would not be able to go ahead

  • Implants can be placed without cutting into the gum. This means much less trauma and no sutures afterwards

  • Guided surgery has a much shorter operation time

  • As guided surgery is less invasive the healing time will be shorter

  • Guided surgery has a smaller incisions with virtually no bleeding and pain

  • Bone grafting can be minimised and often avoided

What are dental implants suitable for?

Single Tooth Implant

Single tooth replacement

If a single tooth has been lost due to an accident a dental implant can provide a reliable long-term solution in many cases. This treatment does not require any cutting of the adjacent teeth – such as would be the case with a traditional bridge.

Multiple Teeth Implant

Multiple teeth

Dental implants can also be used to support multiple teeth. This usually involves the placement of two implants, which are used to support a fixed bridge.

Full Arch Implants

Full arch

As an alternative to a denture it is possible to replace all the teeth in an arch, anchored by several implants. The number of implants required is dependent on the clinical assessment of each individual case.

Dentures

Dentures

A loose fitting denture is a common problem for thousands of people. Securing dentures using dental implants restores chewing function and reduces irritation of the gums, leading to an enhanced quality of life. The additional support and stability gives the wearer confidence to eat what they want and smile and laugh without being self-conscious.

More information

For more information on any of our treatments, special offers, payment plans or anything else please don't hesitate to contact us today