Dental Implant Dentist in Chesham: Get Quality Care for a Lasting Smile

Dental implants offer more than just tooth replacement. Giving you a complete smile can transform your confidence and make you proud to show off your smile.

Dental implants are titanium posts that provide support for replacement teeth. They can replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth with a bridge. In some instances where none of the teeth can be saved, removing all the teeth in one or both jaws and replacing them with dental implants is possible. This can even be done on the same day.

• The absence of a single tooth/multiple teeth can have a serious impact on your overall dental health.
• Surrounding teeth will begin to weaken and “drift” as there’s nothing to keep them in their proper positions and this can result in problems with bite (malocclusion), damage to teeth and pressure in the jaw that causes pain and headaches.
• The structure of the jaw itself will become compromised without the stimulation the tooth root provides, leading to bone loss in the affected area which can in turn cause problems with other teeth and produce an ageing effect in the face.
• With dental implants, the implant is rooted into the jaw and functions in much the same way as a natural tooth. This ensures that the surrounding teeth are correctly supported and stabilised while preserving the jaw bone.

Before starting any implant treatment, we will perform X-rays and scans to evaluate the bone density at the implant site. Insufficient bone density can result from severe gum disease or natural variations in bone structure. Fortunately, treatments are available to restore bone density and increase its volume before implant placement.

Dr Devang Patel specialises in advanced bone regeneration, grafting, and sinus lift procedures. With state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, he has successfully placed implants in patients who were previously considered unsuitable due to insufficient bone.

• Step 01: Investigations
  An X-Ray and/or CT scan to determine how much bone is available and to make sure there’s no hidden infection of pathology. We may arrange for this to be done before the consultation appointment.
• Step 02: Consultation
  A 45-min consultation is booked with the dentist, who will go through your scan with you and advise you of the treatment needs. This is when things like bone grafting, sinus lifts will be discussed if required.
• Step 03: Surgery
  A small hole is drilled in the correct and safe area and then the Implant is inserted.
• Step 04: Review
  The dentist will see you for a 15 min review 1-2 weeks after your surgery.
• Step 05: Impressions
  Impressions are taken for the implant retained prosthesis (crown/bridge/denture). This is usually 3 months after the surgery. Sometimes this can be done straight away, if the bone is stable, otherwise you’ll need to wait a few months for the implant to settle first.
• Step 06: Crown-Fitting
  Final fitting of the crown, bridge or denture : 2 weeks after the impression appointment.

The lifespan of your dental implant relies on your oral care routine and consistent visits to the dentist. Gum disease can impact both your gums and the underlying bone, which could jeopardise the implant's stability. You can prevent these issues by practising good oral hygiene, which includes thoroughly removing plaque and bacteria and scheduling regular dental check-ups.

What are they?

An implant-retained denture, also referred to as an implant-supported denture or over-denture, is a removable denture that is supported and secured by dental implants. It merges the advantages of dental implants with the convenience and affordability of a removable denture.

How they work

• Dental Implant Placement:
  Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. The number of implants needed varies based on the individual case; however, for an implant-retained denture, two to four implants are typically used. These implants are made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium, and function as artificial tooth roots.
• Healing and Osseointegration:
  After the implants are placed, a healing period is necessary for the implants to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This process usually takes a few months and ensures a stable and secure foundation for the denture.
• Abutment Placement:
  Once osseointegration is complete, abutments are attached to the implants. The abutments act as connectors between the implants and the denture.
• Denture Fabrication:
  An impression of the gums and abutments is taken to create a custom-made denture that fits precisely over the implants and gum tissue. The denture is designed to provide optimal aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.
• Denture Attachment:
  The denture is securely attached to the abutments using special attachments, such as ball attachments or a bar-and-clip system. These attachments allow the denture to be easily snapped onto the implants, providing stability and support while allowing for simple removal for cleaning and maintenance.

Benefits

Implant-retained dentures offer several key advantages over traditional removable dentures:

• Improved Stability:
  ‍Anchored to dental implants, these dentures are more secure, eliminating the need for messy adhesives and reducing slippage or discomfort.
• Enhanced Chewing Efficiency:
  ‍The stability allows for better chewing, enabling a varied and nutritious diet.
• Preserved Jawbone Health:
  Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining its structure.
• Increased Comfort:
  ‍These dentures fit more naturally, enhancing comfort by avoiding bulky bases.

While there are significant benefits, the procedure requires surgical implant placement. Consult your dental implant dentist in Chesham to determine your suitability for this treatment.

Bone Grafting

When teeth are lost or removed, some individuals may experience bone loss, making it challenging to place an implant using conventional methods. In these cases, a bone height and volume increase may be necessary through an additional procedure. There are various types of bone grafting options available, depending on each individual's specific circumstances. At our practice, we provide different solutions to meet the needs of our patients.

Sinus Lift Surgery

Sinus lift surgery, also known as sinus augmentation, is a procedure that increases the height of the bone available in the upper jaw, specifically above the back teeth. This technique involves creating new bone within the sinus cavity, making it a reliable option for patients who require dental implants. Without this method, many individuals would not be candidates for implants in areas of the mouth where teeth are often missing.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium rods that are surgically placed in the jaw bone, acting as the missing tooth root. This will hold a crown or dental bridge to restore missing teeth, or to hold loose dentures in place, called implant-retained dentures. Under suitable conditions, the bone fuses with the implant, known as osseointegration.

How long is the process?

Typically the whole process can take anything between 3-6 months from start to finish.

Are dental implants painful?

Whether you are undergoing treatment for an a single dental implant or All on Four treatment or otherwise, the answer to this question is always the same: no. The full procedure is painless due to local anaesthetics given by the dentist. If you are at all anxious then sedation can also be arranged to put you fully at ease.

Afterwards, you may experience some swelling and pain. This is typical of any procedure and we recommend taking pain relief such as paracetamol to manage the pain. Our team is always at hand to help answer any of your questions and our treatment coordinator will check on you the next day after surgery to ensure you are doing well.

What is the after care for my new dental implants?

Implants need to be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing (using implant-specific floss). Regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist are also still important. Doing so will allow you to maintain your implant for a much longer period of time.