Harley Street Dental Clinic

It’s strange to think that getting a dental implant could actually help protect the future of your natural teeth, but, if you have a gap in your smile that isn’t filled, it could put the rest of your natural teeth at risk.

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we advise all of our patients who have lost teeth to consider their options for tooth replacement as soon as possible. At Harley Street, dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, from a single tooth to a whole smile.

At Harley Street, dental implants are considered one of the most permanent solutions to missing teeth. If they are looked after correctly they could last you a lifetime of smiles.

Starting your journey to a fuller smile

Dental implants are basically artificial tooth roots that can be inserted into your jaw to create a stable anchor for a false tooth, bridge or even dentures. Many patients may be self-conscious after losing a tooth. We encourage anyone who has recently lost a tooth to make an appointment with your dentist to explore your options.

Dental implants are fitted after a minor surgical procedure. This procedure needs to take place to create a hole in your jawbone. Into this hole, your dental implants are inserted. The aim is to have as much contact between the bone and the screw to encourage integration.

Once the screw is fitted firmly, it will need some time to heal. Once the healing time has been completed and the implant is stable, your crown, bridge or dentures can be attached, giving you back your ability to chew and eat food easily.

Benefits of dental implants in Harley Street

Because dental implants act as a tooth root, they provide the stimulation that your jawbone needs to stay in shape. You’ll probably notice the ‘sunken in’ look that effects some long-time denture users. This problem isn’t an issue with dental implants.

Losing a tooth isn’t the end of the world thanks to modern dental techniques. You could be back to your normal pace of life in no time, with a smile on your face.

If you have had your dental implants inserted, you have already begun to experience the benefits of this modern restorative treatment. While it is true that dental implants last longer than other teeth replacement methods, you do need to look after them properly.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we will give you detailed instructions on how to take good care of your Harley Street dental implants after surgery. There are quite a few things that you should take note of when starting out; however, in the long run, taking care of your dental implants is no different from taking care of your regular teeth.

After the surgery

Following the post-treatment instructions given to you by your dentist after the surgery is important for ensuring the success and longevity of your dental implants. If you experience pain during the first few days after the operation, you may take regular painkillers to alleviate the discomfort. You dentist will also advise you to apply an ice pack on the area to help with pain relief. You may use the ice pack for 20 minutes per time up to two days, and then switch to moist heat in order to alleviate further discomfort.

Your dentist will instruct you to keep your head elevated as this will help your dental implants heal quickly. Take all your medications as instructed by your dentist and do not touch the implant sites directly with your hands. During the first weeks of recovery and as your dental implants are settling, eating proper food may seem impossible. You will gradually start to re-introduce food into your diet, once you feel more confident to chew and bite.

Long-term care

Just like regular teeth, dental implants require frequent brushing and flossing in order to remain healthy and plaque-free. You should make a habit of cleaning them after every meal in order to ensure that they are in good health. At the same time, it is really important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and maintenance.

If you are interested in dental implants in Harley Street, but you don’t know where to start, call us today and we will book a consultation appointment for you.

Tooth loss can be caused by many factors including an injury, accident, old age, tooth decay or even gum disease. Whatever the reason behind one or many missing teeth, once you have had the necessary treatment, exploring additional dental options can have you smiling confidently again.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, dental implants in Harley Street are our treatment of choice for patients who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. Unlike regular tooth replacement options, dental implants fuse with the jawbone and create a strong and sturdy foundation for replacement teeth that look and feel just like your natural teeth. But can everyone have dental implants in Harley Street? The answer is more complicated than you may think.

What makes a good candidate for dental implants?

Generally, most people can have dental implants as long as they meet a few simple criteria. When it comes to implant surgery, health and not age is an important factor for determining the success of dental implants. In order for your dental implants to fuse with the jawbone and stand up to extreme force from chewing and biting, the bone tissue in the bone has to have sufficient density. Without the proper density is it quite likely that the implant will fail. However, patients with low bone density can still take advantage of specialised dental implants such as All-on-4.

More importantly, patients with active gum disease cannot have implant surgery. This is because your gums need to be healthy prior to the operation. Likewise, patients suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular disease are advised to talk with the dentist in advance, since their condition may hinder the success of dental implants.

Ideal candidates for dental implants in Harley Street should be committed to good oral hygiene, should not smoke or chew tobacco and they should also commit to the treatment. Visiting the dentist at regular intervals for check-ups and cleanings is also advised. These are only a few parameters that determine implant candidacy. To determine whether dental implants are the right treatment for you, give us a call and we will book a consultation appointment with you.

Has it been a while since you showed your smile because of a missing tooth or even multiple missing teeth? Tooth loss is more common than you may think. It can affect patients of all ages and can cause oral health issues if not addressed early on.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, dental implants are our treatment of choice for tooth loss. Unlike conventional tooth replacement options, dental implants are stabilised into the jawbone and create a strong and sturdy foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function just like your natural teeth.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

Dental implants are actually very small titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as an artificial root to support replacement teeth, such as single crowns, multiple tooth bridges and dentures. After the surgical placement of the implant, the bone tissue bonds with the titanium creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Once healing is complete and the bone has bonded to the surface of the implant, your dentist can attach the replacement teeth safely onto your dental implants.

What to expect?

Surgery for dental implants is a safe procedure that is very well tolerated by many patients. As a matter of fact, many find it as easy as (if not easier than) tooth extraction. If adequate bone is present and there is no existing gum disease or other health concerns, dental implants will take a few weeks or months to heal. During this healing phase, your dentist will see you periodically to monitor your dental implants. After healing is complete, you can have your replacement teeth and enjoy the benefits of a restored mouth.

Am I a candidate for dental implants in Harley Street?

If you are considering dental implants in Harley Street, our dental team would be happy to see you for a consultation to discuss your medical history, perform an oral examination, review your x-rays and discuss your treatment options extensively. While there some cases where dental implants are not advisable, most patients are good candidates for dental implants.

Tooth loss is a common problem that goes well beyond what you can see. Missing and badly decayed teeth can create a lot of problems if left unreplaced, including further tooth loss. With dental implants, you will not only have a smile that is beautiful and complete, you will also have the best option for your oral health.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, dental implants are our treatment of choice for missing teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth, while restoring normal oral function and appearance. Unlike conventional dentures and bridges, dental implants fuse with the jawbone and require no special care.

Why replace missing teeth?

A single missing tooth might not seem like a major problem, but appearances can be deceptive. In fact, any gap in your mouth, even from a single missing tooth, can cause serious problems over time. The rest of your teeth will naturally try to fill the space, and in the long term, this can move the rest of your teeth out of position causing issues like enamel wear, grinding, crooked teeth as well as jaw problems.

Replacing the missing teeth with dental implants in Harley Street can prevent all these long-term problems, helping you maintain your healthy smile.

The next best thing to natural teeth

Keeping your natural teeth is always ideal. When this impossible, though, dental implants offer you the next best alternative. Nothing comes as close to operating like a natural tooth as a dental implant. This is because they fuse with the jawbone and create a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Dental implants also prevent additional dental issues from developing. Having missing teeth can be difficult for you to keep your teeth clean, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Dental implants restore your oral function and will make your more willing to smile, laugh, and socialize.

Last but not least, missing teeth cause the body to absorb bone from the jaw if it’s no longer being used to support a tooth root. When this happens, it can lead to bone deterioration. Dental implants prevent this process keeping your jaw strong and healthy in the long run.

If you have decided to have dental implants, the period ahead will be exciting and we will help make it as comfortable as possible. Once you have had your implant surgery, you will be asked to follow a few instructions that your dentist will provide prior to the operation. This will ensure that you will make the most of your dental implants.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, dental implants are our treatment of choice for patients who have lost one, several or all of their natural teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene before and after your dental implants are fitted is essential to avoid complications such as infections and implant failure.

How to care for your dental implants after the operation

Once the anaesthetic (and sedation) wears off, bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place. Do not change them for the first hour unless the bleeding is not controlled. If you continue to bleed after the hour has passed, place new gauze packs over the surgical sites and wait for another 30 minutes. If bleeding persists contact your dentist immediately.

Within the first 24 hours, do not disturb the surgical area with your tongue or hands, but you should brush your teeth gently. Smoking is not recommended because it will affect healing time and may even cause dental implants to fail.

Swelling will occur after surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days after surgery. It can be minimised by using a cold pack applied to the cheek. Your dentist may also prescribe special medicine. If you are in pain, regular painkillers should be enough.

Finally, keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. Your dentist will prescribe a special mouthwash to use throughout the healing period. Once you enter the healing phase, you should visit the dentist regularly as they will be able to monitor your progress. It is our desire that your recovery is as smooth and pleasant as possible.

To learn more about dental implants in Harley Street, contact us today.

Many people associate losing their teeth with ageing, but illness or injury can also result in missing teeth. Gaps are unsightly but can also lead to problems with eating and speaking normally. If you have to restrict yourself to soft foods then you will also be limiting the nutrients you obtain from your diet. This will have a detrimental effect on your overall health. If you would like to improve your health and have a beautiful smile again then you might like to consider dental implants in Harley Street. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we pride ourselves on being able to fit implants even when people have been refused treatment elsewhere.

What is the process for having dental implants?

It is important that we assess the state of your existing teeth and gums so that we can decide on the best course of treatment. Your mouth and jaw need to be healthy so, if necessary, preparatory work is carried out and then the implants are fitted during a minor operation. This involves placing a small metal screw into the jaw under local anaesthetic. The bone and blood vessels mesh around the metal, holding it securely in place. Your dental implants can then be used as a stable base for fixed dentures, crowns or bridges. For our patients in Harley Street, dental implants have enabled them to enjoy their favourite foods again and given them a smile to be proud of.

Can I have dental implants in Harley Street?

You may have been told that the bone in your jaw is not strong enough to support implants. The most usual reason for this is that you have been wearing dentures or coping with missing teeth for some time, and, with no tooth roots to stimulate the bone cells to renew themselves, the tissues will have started to shrink back. We are delighted to offer bone grafts and sinus lifts to ensure adequate bone density. Fear of dental procedures is another barrier for some people, which we can solve with the use of sedation to make sure that the work is as comfortable as possible.

We are proud to be able to say that having dental implants in Harley Street really is an option available to everyone.

When people who have lost their teeth are trying to decide whether to go for traditional replacement methods such as dentures and bridges, or to invest in the more modern method of dental implants, it can become a cost/benefit exercise.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we want all our patients to be able to reap the benefits of dental implants in Harley Street. We have seen so many of our patients who have chosen implants tell us how wonderful it is to have the full functionality of their teeth back, and to be able to eat whatever they like, and not have to worry about wobbly teeth embarrassing them.

However, dental implants are quite an investment, and it can beyond the means of some people to have implants to replace every single one of their teeth.

That’s why we are glad to be able to offer important techniques that use dental implants in Harley Street, but not so many of them. Let’s take a look at a couple of them:

All-on-4

This technique is so-called because it is a way to support an entire arch of teeth on just four implants. The important thing is the way the back implants are inserted into the jawbone at a 45° angle so that they can create stability all along the arch of the jawbone. The two implants at the front go in at the usual 90° angle. These four implants then support a fixed bridge or denture. This is often a great solution for people who have been told they don’t have enough bone for dental implants in Harley Street. They are also known as Same Day Teeth because the crowns are fitted on the same day as the implants are inserted.

Denture stabilisation

A slightly different technique, denture stabilisation uses mini dental implants that are inserted through the gum instead of opening up a flap of gum to insert them into the jawbone. These mini implants have a ball or a bar fitting on top and the dentures are fixed to these. Each jaw usually needs four to six implants to support the dentures. Patients who already have dentures can get them customised to fit onto the implants, or have new ones custom-made.

When we lose our teeth, we don’t really want to be told that they can only be replaced with things that take away our sense of taste, confine us to a soft food diet, or will mean losing healthy teeth to get them to stay in our mouths. Yet, up until not so very long ago, these were the available options. However, all that changed with the discovery of titanium as an implant material in the 1950s, and the resultant increasing availability and versatility of dental implants in Harley Street.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we think it is fair to say that the use of dental implants has reached a tipping point so that they are now more in demand than dentures and fixed bridges. And this is not surprising, considering that Harley Street dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that gives you back the full functionality of your teeth.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants replace the root of the tooth as well as the crown. Having a new root firmly embedded into the jawbone allows once again for a stable and secure chewing base, capable of withstanding the multidirectional pressures, which can be about 200lb or 97kg for the average male chew. Compare this to dentures, which can only offer about a quarter of the chewing pressure, or bridges which can offer more, but you can’t have bitty foods, such as nuts, which get under the bridge and can be very uncomfortable.

In Harley Street, dental implants are more expensive than bridges and dentures, but we believe they still offer good value-for-money. This is because implants have a success rate of about 98% and can be expected to last for the rest of your life, provided you look after them with thorough cleaning to keep plaque at bay. The porcelain crowns of the implants cannot decay, but they are as susceptible to gum disease as natural teeth, and if gum disease attacks the bone holding your implants, they can become loose and fall out.

To find out if dental implants are right for you, why not book a consultation?

Contemporary dental implants in Harley Street will give you back the dental function you’ve been missing if you’ve experienced tooth loss. Whether you want to replace a single tooth or a whole set, implant dentistry at Harley Street Dental Clinic will bring health benefits beyond those that removable dentures can provide.

Structural improvements

The integrated and personalised construction of your Harley Street dental implants will give you a variety of important oral health improvements:

• Implants prevent the jawbone from becoming weak, reducing the risk of damage or injury and maintaining the natural firmness of your facial structure;
• They reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay by filling in the gaps in your teeth, leaving less space in which food debris can build up;
• They are easy to clean with your toothbrush, just the same as your natural teeth;
• The pronunciation of certain words and phrases can be easier with dental implants than it would be with removable dentures.

Personalised procedure

In the relaxed surroundings of our converted Georgian town house in Harley Street, dental implants are a procedure that requires several stages. The first is a detailed discussion about your oral health and an examination of your teeth. Modern imaging equipment will help us to make a precise treatment plan. Then comes the implant procedure itself, during which small titanium posts are placed into your jawbone, into specially made channels that act as artificial sockets. After a short period of healing, you will return to the practice to have replacement teeth securely fixed to the posts.

Renewed strength

As you eat and talk, tiny vibrations occur in the mouth. The metal posts of the implants transmit these vibrations to the jawbone, stimulating it to maintain its natural density. As well as providing a strong base for your teeth, which allows you to bite and chew with renewed confidence, this integrated arrangement prevents the face from developing that sunken look that can characterise the long-term wearer of removable dentures. This is caused by the jawbone resorbing, which happens when there are no tooth roots to stimulate cell renewal. In this way, your facial appearance is maintained, while your dental hygiene and enjoyment are enhanced.