7a Moultrie Rd, Rugby, England CV21 3BD
If you have had missing teeth for a while, loss of bone in your jaw is common. It’s the body’s normal response to tooth loss, infection, gum disease or other trauma.
For dental implants to work, there must be enough bone in the jaw, which is strong enough to hold and support the implant. If this is not the case, you may need some other treatment at your Rugby dentist before your implant treatment can begin, such as bone augmentation, bone grafting or other oral surgery treatment.
At your initial consultation by your local Rugby dentist, we will determine how much bone is available and the shape of the bone. This assessment is done through visual examination, palpation of the bone ridge and with advanced x-ray techniques.
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 Jones Dental & Implant Clinic to match your teeth exactly.
If you’re missing more than one tooth, there are a number of options available to you at Jones Dental & Implant Clinic.
Does it matter if I have missing teeth?
A natural smile and a healthy mouth are important for your confidence, but it is important to replace missing teeth for health reasons as well.
Some of the health reasons to replace missing teeth are:
What is a dental implant?
When a tooth falls out, the root which normally holds it in place is lost as well. This means there is then nothing to hold a replacement tooth in place. A dental implant solves this problem by using a titanium fixture to replicate the function of the tooth’s natural root.
The implant is placed into the jaw where it fuses with the bone. Like your natural root, it then provides a foundation. This provides a secure point onto which a crown can be placed, replacing the missing tooth.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants have been used for over 30 years to replace missing teeth. As with natural teeth, they can be damaged by trauma and affected by gum disease and poor oral hygiene. However, if they are looked after like normal teeth, they can last a lifetime.
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.
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.
What is Delayed Loading?
Delayed Loading is a two-stage process in which the implant is inserted, followed by a period of healing before the replacement teeth are fitted.
The benefits of this procedure are that there is less risk of implant failure, fewer implants are required, and the fusion between implant and jaw will have taken place, providing a firm base for your replacement teeth.
The main disadvantage to this procedure is the time you have to wait while the bone fuses. Speak to your Portman dentist about which procedure is the best for you.
