Implants at The Hollies Dental Practice

The Hollies Dental Practice specialises in dental implants. Modern dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and overcome the problems which can occur as a result of tooth loss.

The dentists at our practice are highly experienced in the dental implant process. From initial assessment through to after care we will offer you first class dental care and support, guiding you step-by-step.

The benefits of replacing missing teeth?

As well as the aesthetic benefit, dental implants are favoured over dentures because they are fixed - offering the feel and function of natural teeth. And they are preferred as an alternative to conventional bridgework as they eliminate the need to alter healthy teeth.

Your questions answered

We understand that you might have a number of questions about the process of creating and applying dental implants. The Hollies Dental Practice has sought to answer as many of these questions as possible in our dental implant FAQ, which you can download here.

Implantology Explained

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are precision manufactured threaded posts which can be inserted into the jawbone and which integrate into the bone of the jaw providing an extremely secure base which can support a crown, fixed denture or bridge. Dental Implants are manufactured from titanium or titanium alloy; these materials are used as they are least likely to be rejected by the body's immune system. They act as an effective replacement for the root of a tooth that has been lost.

Who Can Have Dental Implants & Are They Painful?

By using modern implant techniques even patients who have low sinus cavities or a reduced level of bone density are now able to have dental implants. We provide sinus lifts and bone reconstruction to patients who have these issues, and we use advanced techniques such as CT scans and Guided Surgery to prevent the requirement for complicated surgical treatment, by providing us with the opportunity to place dental implants in the best possible position, avoiding nerve canals and sinus cavities. Many patients have stated that even on the day following surgery, they are not able to feel the dental implant is there. The level of discomfort experienced should be no more than having a tooth extraction, and we provide patients with medications just in case they experience any discomfort immediately following the implant placement. A temporary crown will be provided to take care of aesthetic appearance.

How Long Will They Last & Are They Safe?

Dental Implants are perfectly safe. With proper maintenance they normally last for up to fifteen years. By comparison, a dental bridge which is supported by natural teeth is only expected to last for eight years. With an effective dental hygiene routine - just as with your natural teeth - dental implants can last for a substantially longer period. Regular appointments with a dental hygienist are advised to increase the longevity of the implant.

Are Implanted Teeth Difficult to Clean?

Patients are encouraged to look after their implanted teeth in the same way as they should with natural teeth. This simply means frequent brushing, flossing and attending regular dental appointments. Smoking should also be avoided to increase the longevity of the implants.

Can I Remove The Tooth Fixed To The Implant?

The artificial tooth (crown) which is attached to the implant can only be placed and taken out by a dentist. However, implant retained dentures can be removed by the patient enabling them to be cleaned.

What Problems Can Occur With Dental Implants?

A small percentage of dental implants are rejected by the body's natural immune system. Studies have shown the average implant rejection rate worldwide to be 4%. The implant rejection percentage at our clinic is less than 0.3%. In the event of an implant being rejected by the patient's immune system there are a number of clinical remedies which can be implemented to prevent an implant being rejected?

How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?

The dental implant procedure normally requires 2 or 3 appointments with maximum of up to a 4 appointments.
A consultation would take place on the initial visit, which will last around 45 minutes. During this appointment a CT (computerised tomography) scan will be taken to provide us with a full 3D image of your jaw which will be used to establish your suitability for to receive dental implants.
Often the placement of the implant can be carried out during the consultation visit, which reduces the total number of appointments required. In cases where some preparatory treatment is necessary on the initial visit - where no other procedures are necessary - the implant(s) would be placed on the second visit. Placing the implant(s) would take approximately one to two hours.
This is followed by a period of three to six months, allowing the implant(s) to heal and fully integrate with the bone tissue. During the next appointment, abutment(s) would be attached and an impression would be taken which would be used by a dental laboratory to create permanent crowns or bridges. The entire treatment period should not exceed eight months.

Can a Tooth Be Extracted & Dental Implant Placed Immediately?

Yes, if the patient has sufficient bone density and depth of bone, a dental implant can be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. However, it should not be used as a normal tooth until osseointegration (integration with the bone) has taken place. A CT scan enables the implantologist to evaluate this beforehand, and a specialised prosthesis can be manufactured or your existing denture can be modified to be retained by the implants(s).

When are Same Day Implant Placements Not Possible?

In some cases dental implants can not be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. This is due to period of time which may be required for your bone and gums to grow back and fill the gap which is left following the tooth extraction. This takes a minimum of three to four months for teeth removed from the lower jaw and six to eight months for the upper jaw, which has less density. A temporary prosthesis would be made for use during the healing period. For those who currently wear dentures, they can be adjusted or modified enabling them to be worn during the bone integration period. A CT scan will be used to discover which approach is best suited for each individual case.

Will a dental implant be needed for each missing tooth?

No, except in cases where only a single tooth is being replaced. Sometimes 6, or more usually 8 dental implants are used to replace an entire row of teeth in one jaw, as every individual implant can normally support 2 teeth.

Initial Implant Consultation - What it Involves

The initial consultation is used to establish how suitable you are to receive dental implant treatment. Some patients aren't suitable because of reduced bone density, depth and width, or due to the sinus cavity being too low. These problems can usually be overcome with the use of a range remedial treatments.
The implantologist would then discuss all the available treatment options with you and this will be followed up by a written treatment plan, with all charges clearly explained. You will then be able to make a decision regarding which option is the most suitable for you and comes within your budget.

Choosing Whether Or Not To Go Through With Dental Treatment

Yes, all of our consultations will give prospective patients detailed information and a professional opinion of which treatments are required. The treatment which you finally receive is entirely your choice and shortly after the consultation is complete a written treatment plan will be sent to you with details of all the costs included. You will then be able to choose whether or not to proceed with the treatment.

Why a CT Scan is Necessary Prior to Having Dental Implants

A CT scan is the most effective diagnostic procedure to establish the patient"s suitability for dental implants, as it provides a 3D computed tomography (CT) image of the lower area of the skull. From the image we are able to determine the exact bone depth, width, density and condition, along with the precise position of your nerve canal and sinus cavity. This virtually eliminates any risk to the patient.
The information obtained from the CT Scan can often eliminate the need for expensive treatments including Bone Restoration and Sinus Lifts. We are among the handful of dental clinics in Britain equipped with a CT scanner - most Dentists need to refer implant patients to a Hospital to receive a CT scan, this usually involves lengthy waiting times as well as more travelling time. One or more visits to a Hospital Scanning Centre are usually required. Scanning Centres and are generally slow in answering enquiries regarding referred dental patients increasing overall treatment time.
Receiving a CT Scan ensures highly accurate pre-planning resulting in minimised risk, lower costs and a lower number of visits.