In the world of modern dentistry, if you have lost a tooth either through age or decay there are many options available to you for a replacement.
Of course, the most well-known of these restorative procedures is the denture. Shaped to fit over your gum line, dentures have been a mainstay of dentistry for years and have helped many people regain their confidence. However, despite the benefits, dentures are also renowned for causing issues with rubbing and can even have an impact on speech patterns.
Luckily, there is a more permanent alternative to missing teeth, which comes with all the cosmetic advantages of dentures, without the disadvantage of movement or sore spots.
At our surgery, we are proud to be able to offer our patients dental implants in Harley Street. The most commonly used implant type, the endosteal, has helped thousands of patients regain confidence when they smile, while also improving eating and overall hygiene. What’s not to like about that?
Want to know a bit more about our endosteal dental implants in Harley Street? Read on!
Ancient idea
As modern as they may seem, oral implants are in no way a new idea. Indeed, evidence of restorative technologies similar to oral implants has been found in civilizations over 20,000 years old. Granted, these versions were made from bamboo, but the idea is the same!
Composition
Of course, the endosteal dental implants in Harley Street that our team uses are not made from bamboo. Instead, the part that is attached to your jaw is made from titanium and physically resembles a small screw. The top part of the implant, also known as the crown of the implant is usually made from titanium as well but is colour matched to blend with your surrounding teeth.
Fitting
Many patients have concerns about having oral implants fitted; having heard that it is a painful procedure which can lead to infection. Luckily, this is false! Our team will always ensure that your jaw and gum line is completely numb before beginning the fitting and once it is in place, your gum will be sewn up with dissolvable stitches. Once the numbing wears away, you may notice a bruised sensation and swelling, this is normal but if you notice any sensations which are worse than this, contact our team immediately.
Aftercare
Once the implant is fitted to your jaw, you will need to wait between 3-6 months for the crown to be placed on top.
During this time, try to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or chewing overly hard foods which could damage the implant’s stability. If you have concerns that your implant is loose or is not fusing to your jaw, contact our team for a check-up.
Long-term advantages
Of course, one of the main benefits of oral implants is that with proper care, they can last up to and over 20 years. They can be shape and colour fitted to match your natural teeth and best of all, they cannot become loose!