A single tooth implant gives you a natural looking replacement that will blend in perfectly with your existing teeth and function as well as your existing teeth. Dr Soin will fit your single tooth implant without having to grind down or compromise the surrounding teeth.
The implant consists of a titanium metal rod, which is placed into the jawbone as a new ‘root’ for the tooth. The advantage of this is that it will integrate with the bone within three to six months, providing a solid base for your tooth and preserving your bone structure. While you wait for the implant to settle in, you can wear a temporary tooth if required.
When the implant is ready, an abutment is added for your new tooth to attach to. Dr Soin will create your new tooth to match the colour and shape of your existing teeth and this will fit seamlessly into your mouth – helping you smile once more. If you have several teeth missing, implants can be used to support bridges, allowing you to replace teeth without using your existing teeth for support.
Several implants will be placed into your jawbone and given time to integrate with the bone. The abutments are added, followed by the new teeth or bridges. The advantage of this treatment is that the new teeth will look, feel and function very naturally and will help to protect and preserve your jawbone and existing teeth. Implant-supported bridges and dentures are also long lasting and easy to clean.
Implants don’t show during normal movements of the mouth, although you will be able to see them up close to allow for cleaning under overdentures. The advantages of implants are that they avoid the need to cut down the teeth either side for crowns to support a bridge. Normal dentures often mean you can’t eat or speak well, due to the dentures moving about, but teeth attached to an implant don’t have this problem.
Placing implants does require a small operation, under local anaesthetic with sedation if necessary. Patients feel some discomfort after surgery due to stitches and general healing, but the new teeth should last for at least 15 years.