Implants

A dental implant is made of three elements:

• A titanium fixture: that fuses into the jaw.
• An abutment: which forms a small post protruding above the gum line.
• A restoration: the tooth-like element that provides chewing, biting and aesthetic function. This could be a bridge, dentures or a crown.

Whilst dental implants are always made from titanium, the quality can differ depending on the specific brand a dental practice uses. Here at Oatlands Dental Lounge, we’re proud to use implants made by globally prestigious and market-leading brand Straumann, who have the backup of multiple clinical and scientific studies. Straumann is used by a number of the world’s most respected dental implant providers.

• Improving your smile: the new restoration that sits on top of your dental implant will feel and function like a real tooth. As implants are placed directly into your jawbone it helps to reduce further bone loss which occurs following a dental extraction.
• Eat with ease and confidence: enjoy a broader diversity of foods including tougher foods that may have previously been off limits. You will also find you’re able to break down foods without pain or irritation to your gums and that your food tastes better.
• Improved quality of life: by restoring your chewing ability, resolving speech problems, and improving the appearance of your smile, many patients find their confidence and well-being levels soar.
• Reliable treatment: dental implants have an excellent success rate of 95%.

• Consultation: During your initial consultation, our implant surgeons will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you have sufficient and healthy bones to support dental implants and to check your periodontal health is satisfactory. Please see the FAQs below for information on suitability for treatment.
• Assessment: Treatment planning is a crucial stage of the implant’s journey. You will have a full assessment, (covering both dental and medical aspects), 3D imaging, model planning and detailed design prior to any implant procedure.
• Placing the implant:  Your implant will be inserted into the jawbone, and left to heal for a period of around 3-6 months. Your dental implant will grow around your jawbone during this time, and the duration of this depends on the quality of bone present where the implants were placed. At Oatlands Dental Lounge, we offer a Guided Surgery implant, which is digitally planned. This is a highly accurate method of implant placement, reducing common risks by predetermining the optimum position and exact depth and angle of the implant in advance.
• Placing your restoration:  Using the digital scans and moulds taken at your previous appointment, our laboratory will create a bespoke restoration that restores aesthetics and function to your smile. The placement of the restoration depends on whether it is a single tooth or multiple teeth being replaced.

Dental implants fully restore your chewing and biting ability, allowing you to enjoy soft and tough foods alike. They are as close as you can get to eating with natural teeth.

You can care for dental implants in the same way as you would a real tooth, brushing and between your teeth/ implants twice a day (paying close attention to the implant sites) and attending routine dentist and hygienist appointments. We will also ask you to come in for an annual implant review, so we can check the health of the bone that sits around the implant area. With the correct care, it’s very likely that your dental implants will function well for 15 years or more, making them a durable answer to tooth loss.

Yes, patients can leave the practice with their implant crowns fitted in ‘select’ circumstances, after just a single appointment, thanks to the state-of-the-art ‘teeth in a day’ system. We will provide you with a temporary restoration straight away, which means no gaps in your smile while you wait for your bespoke restoration to be created by the lab.

During your consultation appointment with us, we will assess your suitability for dental implants by thoroughly examining your mouth to assess the quality of your jawbone with x-rays and scans, and to ensure your dental health is satisfactory. Dental implants can only ever be successful if there is enough health bone to support them. Should we find this is not the case, don’t worry. There are lots of things we can do to increase bone levels, thanks to regenerative treatments like bone grafts.

The number of implant used for treatment depends on each individual case. Factors that determine the number of implants used include how many teeth are being replaced, which type of restoration is being made, and how much bone is present. Your dentist here at Oatlands Dental Lounge will take you through the options available for replacing missing teeth with implants, and advise the best course of action for your specific needs.