Dental implant surgery offers an effective and discrete solution for replacing missing teeth, merging innovation with aesthetics to restore smiles. So, whether you’re considering implants for functional or cosmetic reasons, our guide offers a complete overview of this beneficial procedure, including preparation, implant placement, and recovery expectations, so make sure that you have all the information you need ahead of your next consultation.
Dental Implants
Implants offer a long-lasting solution for tooth loss or damage and restore the appearance of a smile by mimicking the structure of natural teeth. Comprising a titanium post, abutment, and a custom crown that is made to perfectly match the size, shape, and colour of the missing tooth, implants are designed to provide a durable and stable replacement tooth with a high success rate.
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants strengthen the jaw and enhance oral health, thanks to the inclusion of a stable foundation post. The titanium post acts as a synthetic tooth root, providing stable support for the fixed or removable crown, designed to blend in with your existing teeth. This effective structure not only restores the appearance of the smile but also preserves the structure of your jaw by preventing bone deterioration and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth, making it a viable and permanent alternative to other treatments.
If you think that implants are the best choice for your dental requirements, then read on to explore the benefits of this option before reading about our treatment process.
- Natural Appearance and Feel - At Riverside Dental Spa, our implants are meticulously crafted to match the colour and shape of your own teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly into your smile. Unlike other dental prostheses, implants provide the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, allowing for a more natural-looking smile and letting you eat, speak, and move your jaw without worry.
- Prevention of Bone Loss - When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in the empty space deteriorates due to lack of stimulation or support, so implants mimic the stimulation of natural tooth roots in the jaw, preventing bone loss and maintaining the structure of the face and jaw.
- Durability and Longevity - Implants are designed for durability, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. Made from titanium, they integrate with the jawbone, providing a stable and permanent solution for missing teeth, unlike dentures or bridges that may need replacement or adjustment over time.
- Improved Oral Health - Implants preserve the natural tooth tissue and do not require the adjacent teeth to be altered or realigned, as a tooth-supported bridge does. This preservation enhances long-term health and allows for easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Increased Comfort and Confidence - Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures, restoring your confidence to eat, smile, and engage in social activities without worrying about a shifting or slipping prosthesis.
Dental Implant Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
When opting for implant treatment at Riverside Dental Spa, you will be invited for a free initial consultation with our Treatment Coordinator to discuss your needs and talk you through our treatment options to find the best choice for you. Whilst this is primarily an opportunity for our coordinators to assess your oral health and check the condition of your jaw and surrounding teeth, it is also the perfect time to ask any questions that you may have. For example, if you are keen to discuss the cost of this treatment, then our Coordinator will be happy to walk you through our treatment plans with 0% finance and no hidden costs, specifically designed to make implants a cost-effective option that can fit into the budgets of all our patients.
If the question at the forefront of your mind is ‘how long does dental implant surgery take’, then this consultation will also allow you to gain a clearer understanding of your treatment time-frame. This treatment, from the initial consultation through to the placement of the final crown, can take anywhere from a few months to over a year due to healing and bone integration, so be sure to bring up any concerns or questions with your Coordinator.
Pre-Treatment
Once you have decided that implants are the best option for you, it’s time to move on to the pre-treatment preparation. We prioritise an attentive, caring approach to all our treatments, and guarantee personalised care that focuses on your needs, so we will give you a clear outline of your treatment and walk you through how to prepare for your surgery.
As is the case with any dental procedure, you are encouraged to prioritise good dental health through regular dental hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash. Any existing dental problems, such as decay or gum disease, must be addressed prior to the surgery, as these can negatively impact the results of the procedure, and it is also recommended that you reduce your smoking habits, if you have any, and make us aware of any conditions such as diabetes during your initial consultation. This preparatory phase will help you to create a favourable dental setting for implant integration and healing, and will strengthen your jaw and teeth in preparation for the surgery.
Implant Placement Surgery
At Riverside Dental Spa, we balance our specialist cosmetic dentistry services with our patient-focused, reassuring practices to help you feel as confident and relaxed as possible. Our clinic guarantees a calming, spa-like tranquillity that will help you maintain a positive mindset before and immediately after your surgery, reducing anxiety and ensuring comfort.
All of our implant procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience for you, and a smooth and effective process. You will be under the care of our highly experienced implant surgeon, skilled in the best practices and committed to delivering the best results, who will ensure that your titanium post is fitted to provide the best possible base for your implant.
Osseointegration
Once the post has been inserted into your jawbone at our practice, a process called osseointegration will take place in your jaw. This refers to the process by which the post fuses with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth and mimicking the strength and support of a natural tooth root. This biological bonding is essential for the implant’s long-term stability and functionality, and once healed, an abutment is attached to the post to complete the surgery. The osseointegration process typically takes 3 to 6 months, and once it has been confirmed that your implant has integrated into the bone, we will attach the abutment and custom-made crown, completing the restoration with a natural-looking, durable tooth.
Recovery
The recovery and healing process for implants ensures the long-term success of the procedure, so before you leave our practice we will make sure that you have all the information and support you need to heal your mouth and care for your new implant.
Initially, you may experience some swelling or discomfort, which typically subside within a few days to a week. It is best to be aware of these potential effects in advance, as any pain that you experience is completely normal and should not be anything to worry about, and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
The timeline for healing varies, and soft foods are recommended during the initial recovery phase to avoid undue pressure on the implant site. Similarly, be sure to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices by brushing twice daily, flossing, and using antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection and promote healing. However, after the initial healing period, you will no longer need to worry about what to eat after dental implant surgery - your new teeth will be able to bite, chew, and function as well as your existing teeth, so if you have had trouble eating before, then you will see a marked improvement through your implants.
Whilst you are healing, we will recommend that you visit our practice for follow-up appointments that will allow us to monitor your implant's integration and the health of surrounding tissues. Once your jaw and gums are fully healed, the long-term care for your implants mirrors the care for your natural teeth, including prioritising your health, attending routine dental check-ups, and enjoying your life with strong teeth and long-lasting implants.
Achieve a Healthy and Confident Smile This Spring
Restore your teeth with confidence at our London-based practice with implants starting from just £2495. Our best practices, dedicated team, and relaxing spa environment make us the best choice for boosting your confidence and supporting your oral health, so contact us today to consult with a member of our team about dental implant surgery.
