Dental Implants at Heathwood Dental Practice

What Are Dental Implants?

At Heathwood Dental Practice, we offer dental implants as a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, where it acts as a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, restoring both the appearance and functionality of your smile.

What Can I Expect from a Dental Implant Procedure?

The dental implant process typically involves several steps:

• Initial Consultation & Planning – We begin with a thorough examination, including X-rays or 3D scans, to assess the condition of your jawbone and determine the best placement for your implant. If you are considering an implant in the future, we may also discuss socket grafting at this stage.
• Tooth Removal & Socket Grafting (if required) – If a tooth needs to be extracted before your implant is placed, we may recommend socket grafting at the time of extraction. This is a highly predictable procedure that helps preserve the bone and maintain the ideal shape of the gum and jaw for future implant placement. Without grafting, up to 60% of the bone at the site may be lost. With socket grafting, over 95% of the bone is preserved, significantly improving long-term results.
  
  The graft itself consists of a tri-layer technique using a human bone graft (Mineross), a collagen membrane (Memlock or Creoss), and a collagen plug (ACE or BioPlug). It can even be performed in the presence of infection with the appropriate antibiotics prescribed before and after the procedure.
  
  A protective temporary adhesive bridge or carefully designed acrylic denture can be made in advance to cover and safeguard the site while healing. Smokers should be aware that there is a slightly increased risk of graft failure, similar to the risk of dry socket.

• Implant Placement – Once the bone has healed (typically after a minimum of three months), the implant is placed under local anaesthetic. This appointment generally takes one to two hours, depending on how many implants are being fitted.
• Healing & Osseointegration – After placement, the implant needs time to bond with your natural bone in a process called osseointegration. This usually takes three to six months and ensures the implant is securely anchored in your jaw.
• Abutment & Crown Placement – Once integration is complete, we attach a small connector (called an abutment) to the implant and then fit your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to complete the restoration.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

• Long-Term Solution – With proper care, dental implants can last for decades, often a lifetime.
• Natural Look & Feel – Implants look and feel like real teeth, restoring your smile and confidence.
• Improved Functionality – Eat, speak, and smile comfortably without worry.
• Preserve Jawbone Health – Implants stimulate the bone and help prevent the shrinkage that can follow tooth loss. Socket grafting at the time of extraction can also prevent bone loss and reduce the need for future grafting.
• No Damage to Neighbouring Teeth – Implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, unlike bridges.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

You may be suitable for dental implants if:

• You have one or more missing teeth
• Your jawbone is healthy and strong enough to support the implant (or you’re open to preparatory procedures such as socket grafting, if required)
• You’re in good general health and have realistic expectations

At your consultation, we will explore all options to preserve or restore the bone, including socket grafting if necessary. Even if you’re not ready for an implant now, having a graft at the time of extraction can preserve the site for years, giving you more options in the future.

What Does Socket Grafting Involve?

Socket grafting is usually carried out at the time of tooth extraction and adds 30 minutes to your appointment. One week later, you’ll return for a 15-minute review and suture removal. The cost is £550 in addition to the extraction, and the temporary protective restoration (either an adhesive bridge or denture) is £390.

Aftercare is important: avoid brushing, rinsing, poking the area, swimming, or exercising in the first week. Stick to a soft diet and allow the area to heal undisturbed. After the sutures are removed, gentle cleaning can resume.

By maintaining bone volume and supporting the surrounding gum, socket grafting simplifies the implant procedure later and improves both function and appearance.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a safe and effective treatment, but there are some risks and potential complications:

• Infection – As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection at the implant site. We take all necessary precautions to minimize this risk.
• Implant Failure – In some cases, the implant may not properly fuse with the bone, leading to implant failure. This can often be addressed with additional treatments.
• Sinus Issues – Implants placed in the upper jaw may sometimes affect the sinuses, but this can typically be avoided with careful planning.