Your dentist can have a friendly discussion with you about dental implants. Should you be interested, a thorough examination will be carried out to assess the suitability for dental implants. This includes determining the amount of available and stable bone mass in your jaw, and locating positions of anatomical structures, perhaps using a CT-scan to aid the planning phase.

As always, your treatment options and choices will be discussed with you beforehand, and a treatment plan letter will be provided. You will have the opportunity to come and discuss this with your implant surgeon before commencing treatment. Dental implants may be recommended as replacement for one or more of your teeth, depending on the circumstances.

Dental implants offer tremendous benefits to our patients, including

• Predictable treatment results appearance, feel and functionality of natural teeth
• Improved facial structure – cheeks, jaw line, lips – a return to more natural, normal lines
• No more painful chewing allows for improved appetite and taste
• The reduction or elimination of bone atrophy – commonly associated with tooth loss
• Your overall quality of life and good health

How do Dental Implants Work?

When one loses a tooth, two parts of a tooth need to be replaced: the root (under the gum) and crown (above the gum).

For the root replacement, a dental implant uses a tiny titanium cylinder. Titanium is used because it is very “bone friendly” and has the ability to bond with bone in a process known as “osseointegration”. This makes it an ideal material for use in dental implants, where the titanium implant cylinder interlocks with the jaw bone in order to serve as a stable, fully functional root. This root can support a single tooth crown or can be support under a denture to prevent embarrassment from a loose denture.

It is important not to wait too long to discuss your tooth replacement options with us, as the available bone in your jaw that is necessary for dental implants will become susceptible to bone atrophy (break down) and can become unsuitable for implants. Part of your consultation examination will involve determining if you have sufficient jaw bone density, strength and mass to support and sustain dental implants.

Placement of the tiny titanium “root” is performed using delicately precise surgical techniques. You will be comfortable throughout the dental implant process as your dentist will administer local anaesthesia and the area shall be completely numb. You may also choose to have intravenous sedation to make you more relaxed if you are nervous. Once your implanted “root” is in place, it will need 3-6 months for the process of osseointegration (bonding to bone) to take place. Your dentist will determine if a temporary replacement tooth can be set on the implant immediately or if a temporary bridge or denture would be preferable.

Naturally Beautiful Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a tooth replacement option that offers you a nearly natural experience, from the colour-matched tooth to the titanium root bonded to your jaw bone; you have the functionality and look of your natural teeth. Once in place, your dental implant becomes a fully functional, very close replacement for your lost tooth with a root, natural-looking colour and strength, although not an exact replica. The implant does not “depend” on other teeth, as a bridge or denture might; and neither does it weaken its environment.

As with your natural teeth, gum tissue supporting your dental implant can suffer from gum diseases. However, with proper care and cleaning, plus routine check-ups, your dental implant and replacement tooth can last for many years. Patients have been known to enjoy the benefits of their dental implants for many years, with diligent care.

At Oatlands Dental Lounge we use only the finest implant systems, manufacturers and labs known for their excellence, long term reputation, good aftercare and international use. We predominantly use Straumann and Astra implant systems, which deliver proven, reliable performance.

Straumann Dental Implant System

• Leading global supplier of dental implantology available in more than 70 countries
• Exceptional quality and reliability
• One of the most extensively documented implant systems in the world
• Precision engineered

ASTRA TECH Implant Systems

• One of the fastest growing implant systems in the world
• Unique implant system that works with the body’s natural healing power
• Implant surface specially treated to generate bone regeneration and speed healing
• Clinical studies show unrivalled long-term results

Your dentist in Weybridge will always carefully discuss your tooth replacement options and how each will affect your daily life and functionality. During your treatment consultation you will be encouraged to openly speak of your concerns so we may ensure you are completely comfortable with and informed about your treatment.