Dental implants for missing teeth

09 January 2011

Dental implants for missing teeth

Dental implants are now the popular choice for spaces that have been left when a tooth is removed. Dentures are now a thing of the past as they are not fixed in place and chewing/talking can be a lot more difficult with dentures in. Bridges are still used commonly but have their associated problems as they require tooth reduction on the existing teeth.

Dental implants are a safe, efficient, predictable and long term solution to missing teeth. They not only help to restore function when chewing but are also very important to improve your self-confidence and appearance. Implants will also aid you with your speech when compared to dentures which can slip and be very embarrassing.

They consist of a small titanium screw which is screwed into the bone. Titanium is a biocompatible material which means that the body will accept the implant as part of its anatomy. The screw replaces the root of the tooth that was lost and this screw integrates with the bone. Implants are the only tooth replacement treatment that work independent of any of the surrounding healthy teeth. This makes them the best long term permanent solution.

When an implant is initially placed it is left for approximately 3 months to allow the bone to grow around it and for it it integrate with the bone. After this integration period a crown is placed over the implant which takes 2 visits and is similar to a normal crown preparation and fit visit.

On occasions a bone graft with artificial bone may be necessary which acts as a scaffolding for the implant.

The success rate for implants is approximately 98% which means that the treatment is extremely predictable and great value for money. Our implantologist in our practice in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport is Dr Richard Brookshaw who is a leader in his field and is a tutor and lecturer to implant students worldwide. His career is restricted only to placing implant and he also works in Manchester City Centre.

We offer free consultations if you are considering whether this is the right treatment for you. You can talk to our experts and go through any questions including the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants. We will be able to help you in deciding whether implants will benefit your life.

The practice is based in the Cheadle Hulme, Stockport and is only a 15 minute drive from Manchester City Centre. We are situated very closely to Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Bramhall, Poynton, Handforth, Heald Green and Didsbury. We also have patients that travel from the whole of the Cheshire area and beyond.