We know that losing one or more teeth can be a distressing experience. People lose teeth for many reasons, from gum disease and decay to accident and injury. Whatever the reason, losing one or more teeth can make you embarrassed to smile in public. It can also cause further dental and general health problems, as any remaining teeth may become crooked as the move into the gaps, making them more prone to decay as they become more difficult to clean. Your diet may also be restricted, making it hard to eat healthy foods.
An increasingly popular solution for missing teeth is dental implants. At St Anne’s House we offer a range of dental implant treatments to replace one, several or even all missing teeth.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. They are small titanium posts or screws that are placed in the jawbone with a minor surgical procedure, which can be carried out here at the practice under local anaesthetic or sedation. The implants gradually integrate with your jawbone, providing a firm anchor for replacement teeth in the form of crowns, secured dentures or bridges. A healing period of a few months is needed between placing implants and adding your permanent new teeth.
At St Anne’s House we believe in evidence-based treatment, and we’re confident that dental implants can produce great results. The implant and attached restoration look and act just like natural teeth, with none of the problems of bone shrinkage or restorations becoming loose and uncomfortable that are associated with other options such as unsecured dentures. With proper care and good hygiene (for dental implants need looking after just like natural teeth) your implants could still be serving you well 20-30 years down the line.
Even if you have been told by another dentist you are not suitable for implants because you have suffered bone loss, perhaps through wearing unsecured dentures for many years, we may still be able to help you. It is often possible to rebuild the bone using a bone graft or sinus lift, providing a stable base into which your implants can be placed.
