Dental implants are our preferred method of treatment to replace missing teeth. They are an effective way of perfecting a ‘natural’ smile which looks and feels like your original teeth. Implants offer many advantages. One of which is that they are secured into your mouth in such a manner that they are very comfortable, much more than conventional dentures, as there is no slipping or movement. The dentist does not need to touch any other teeth to secure the implant into the mouth unlike bridgework or partial dentures. Another advantage is that dental implants can also help to maintain the shape and structure of the jaw bone because when teeth are missing the surrounding bone begins to shrink.
What is an Implant? >>
What is sedation? >>
Our guide to dental implants in Southampton
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a replacement for the root portion of your tooth and sits fixed within your jawbone to support a single crown, bridges or dentures. Implants are made from a titanium alloy, which is biocompatible with your own body tissues and safe to use. At White we offer a range of dental implants serving patients from all over the Southampton area.
What is the procedure that is involved?
Dental implants in Southampton are usually placed under local anaesthesia and it is a painless procedure. For anxious patients or long procedures we can provide intravenous sedation. A hole is drilled into your jawbone using a special drill, which then accommodates the titanium implant. The implant is usually left in place to heal for 3-6 months. During this period you will be provided with temporary teeth while your bone tissue grows around the implant by a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has fully integrated with your bone tissue it is strong enough to support a crown, bridge or secure a denture in place.
How long does the procedure take?
This depends on the complexity but can range from 1 - 2 hours per implant. At our dedicated Southampton dental implant clinic, we will advise you of the schedule for your different visits, and it may be that a couple of days off work may be needed after implant insertion.
What are the benefits of dental implants over bridges & dentures?
Although the conventional methods of replacing missing teeth are to use either a fixed bridge or a denture, dental implants provide better support and usually result in a more comfortable and stable method of tooth replacement. Jawbone shrinkage, which is often associated when a tooth is lost, is slowed down / prevented with an implant. Replacing missing teeth with bridges involves sticking false teeth onto existing ones, which can involve filing down healthy teeth to act as retainers. This could compromise the structure of otherwise healthy teeth. Bridges can only be used when there are sufficiently strong supporting teeth whereas implants are an independent restoration. Dentures are false teeth attached to a plastic or metal plate. The problem with dentures is that they are cumbersome and have to be taken in and out every day and for cleaning. In addition, if the shape of the gums and bone in the mouth is not appropriate, dentures may not always stay in place. Eating solid foods is often a problem with dentures that tend to come loose. However mini implants or full sized implants can be used to secure dentures into place.
What are the guarantees?
No-one can ever guarantee total success, but tooth implants have been widely used for well over 25 years with a success rate of between 90 - 95%. If well looked after dental implants can last a lifetime. So although they are more expensive than bridges in the long term they probably work out more cost effective.
Southampton’s implant dentist
Our Southampton dental implant surgeon – Dr Ben White is a highly qualified implant surgeon and offers dental implants to patients in Hamble and in the region of Southampton
