Round about the age of 50, most of us have lost a tooth or two. If you are around that age and are about to lose a tooth, you may be dreading what happens next, especially if you think what happens next is a choice between dentures or a bridge.

That may have been the case once, but for a while now it’s been possible to get dental implants in Orpington. If you have never heard of dental implants in Orpington before then you are in for a nice surprise, because these little beauties allow you to replace your teeth and then carry on pretty much as if nothing had happened. You can continue to eat whatever you want, talk and laugh with no fear of embarrassment, and you can even carry on with your same careful, twice-daily brushing and flossing routine.

That’s got to be a whole lot better than having teeth ground down to have a bridge fixed on to them, or fiddling around with a partial denture that can move around in your mouth and has to be taken out at night to be cleaned.

What exactly are dental implants?

What makes dental implants in Orpington different is that they are a replacement for the root of the tooth, whicha crown or crowns are fixed onto. The implant is a post or screw made of titanium. It is put into the jawbone once an artificial socket has been drilled.

Once in place the titanium sparks a growth explosion from the bone tissue and over the next few weeks the bone grows all over the implant. The result is thatthe implant is held in place as firmly as that tooth you lost.

And the crowns?

One dental implant a single crown, or a bridge of two or three crowns fixed onto it. These are hand-made by skilled technicians out of dental porcelain, which they size, shape and colour to match your own teeth. If you have a photo of the one you lost, they can use that to recreate it.

One thing’s for sure, no one will be able to tell it’s not a real tooth, and you too may even forget it’s not yours.

We often associate tooth loss with old age: images of grannies with their teeth by the bed, or elderly gummy smiles. However, not all teeth are lost in later years.

Youthful teeth can be knocked out playing sport, through a fall or an accident, or be lost to disease if you are really unlucky. If this has happened to you, you’ll know the feelings of frustration and resignation that come with knowing that you need to wear false teeth for the rest of your long life. This could affect your speech, what you eat, the shape of your face and how confident you feel in your smile.

Giving you back your teeth

At Orpington Dental Care, we use dental implants in Orpington to restore lost teeth and give you back full functionality. Dental implants are unique because they are the only method of tooth restoration that replaces the root as well as the crown.

When a tooth is lost, the main difficulties are caused not by the visible part, but the root underneath. With no root to stimulate the jawbone, the bone believes it is no longer needed in that area and begins to dissolve. This can cause the face to sag and surrounding teeth to drift into the gap. Not a great prospect if you lost teeth snowboarding when you were 18.

Dentures and bridges don’t address this problem because they only replace the part of the tooth you can see, the crown. They also don’t last that long – 10 years max – and can also become loose over time, affecting speech and chewing ability.

Dental implants, however, fix this issue for two reasons: they are made of titanium which is a miraculous metal that fuses with the bone. The body registers it as natural tissue and grows around the implant, securing it in place. The jawbone gets the tiny taps it needs to start growing again. The implants are now also secured in place and so are a stable, durable solution, that can withstand the natural forces of biting and chewing. Crunchy food is back on the menu!

And with proper care, dental implants in Orpington can last a lifetime.

Whether you have lost one, two, a whole arch or an entire set of your teeth, dental implants in Orpington can help. At Orpington Dental Care, we can replace any number of teeth with this durable and stable tooth replacement technique.

What are dental implants?

Implants are unique because they are the only tooth replacement method that replaces the root of the tooth as well as the crown. A tiny titanium screw is fixed into the jawbone, in a minor surgical procedure, which mimics the lost tooth root. After a healing period of up to three months, an abutment is fitted to the implant, and then a crown is fixed on top.

Why have dental implants?

There are many benefits:

• The jawbone can begin to sag and deteriorate around the site of a lost tooth. This is because without the tooth root in place, the jaw isn’t getting the tiny taps it needs to keep growing. The body believes that the bone is no longer needed here and so begins to dissolve. As dental implants replace the tooth root, the jawbone once again gets the stimulation it needs to start growing. No other tooth replacement method offers this.
• Biting, chewing and speaking function is fully restored. Dental implants act just as natural teeth do, so there is no slipping, slurring of words or pain on biting down.
• Titanium is biocompatible. This means that the body accepts it as natural tissue. The jawbone grows around the site of the implant and integrates it into the body’s structures. This means that implants are very secure and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Implants are easy to clean: you maintain them just as you would your natural teeth. No taking them out at night like with dentures.

Are dental implants for me?

To find out if you could benefit from dental implants in Orpington, drop into our practice and talk to our experienced implant dentists. You can choose to replace a single lost tooth with one implant, or you can have a bridge or even a whole set of dentures fixed on one to four implants.

Missing teeth are a problem for many of our patients here at Orpington Dental Care. In fact, even a single missing tooth can harm the stability of the rest of your teeth. Fortunately, it is not something you need to live with for the rest of your life.

Therefore, our dentists will emphasise the importance of replacing missing teeth with suitable replacements, such as dental implants in Orpington. These restorations will not only take the place of lost teeth, but will also mimic the natural structure of the teeth and help maintain the rest of your smile.

What are dental implants?

Your natural teeth consist of two parts: the part you can see above the gum line and the part anchored by tissue and bone, known as the root. The implant portion of your dental implants in Orpington are titanium screws secured directly into the jawbone.

Our dentists here at Orpington Dental Care use them to replace one, several, or all your missing teeth by topping them with a crown, or using them for an implant retained denture.

What are the consequences of missing teeth?

Many people believe that losing teeth is inevitable, but the truth is your permanent teeth should last a lifetime. However, due to many factors, not all of which are in your control, teeth sometimes can fall out or but subject to an accident resulting in tooth loss.

This loss will not only leave a gap in your smile, but will also disrupt the balanced relationship between the tooth and bone. The jawbone helps to anchor teeth in position, but the teeth also stimulate the bone to keep it strong.

When you lose one or more teeth, it will also lead to some level of bone loss as there is nothing in the socket to stimulate the underlying structures. This loss of bone can impact your appearance and can even make you appear older than you are.

It will also affect your overall health because you may experience problems with the remaining teeth and could lose your ability to speak or eat easily. With dental implants in Orpington these problems could be a thing of the past.

Stereotypical images can take a long time to die away, and one that hangs on longer than it needs to is that of the old person with a set of dentures that don’t really fit in their mouths, but when they take them out, they look sunken-faced. This image of old age is on the way out, thanks to dental implants in Orpington.

It’s not that there is no such thing as dentures anymore, it’s just that dental implants in Orpington from Orpington Dental Care are people’s first choice for replacing teeth these days, and small wonder.

Dental implants have been around since the 1980s, so they are way past their experimental stage and are now very much part of mainstream dentistry, so much so that people now losing their teeth see them as a first choice rather than something to aspire to that only the elite can have.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that restores full functionality to the mouth. This means that they can chew as well as your original teeth, and allow you to speak clearly and use your smile as freely as you used to. All of these important functions are compromised in some way by the other two replacement options: dentures and fixed bridges.

Strong roots

The big advantage implants have is that they are fixed into the jawbone, replacing the root of the tooth as well as the crown. Dentures and bridges only replace the crown. This means that they cannot keep the jawbone in a strong healthy condition. Without something in it telling it it’s still in use, the jawbone quickly starts to dissolve itself and becomes noticeably smaller. If you have lost all your teeth, it will shrink all over. If not, it will shrink only in the places you have lost teeth. Either way, it will affect how you look. If you wear dentures, it is this shrinkage that causes them to become loose and ineffective in a relatively short space of time.

But with dental implants in Orpington, you can continue to eat, speak and smile as before. Come in for a consultation to find out more.

If you have lost one or all of your teeth, we have a solution for you at Orpington Dental Care. In Orpington, dental implants can replace any number of missing teeth permanently.

Implants are considered the closest thing to growing a new natural tooth in place of your missing one. This is because implants act as a substitute for a natural tooth root.

Dental implants can even support existing dentures, making them much more usable and adding a whole new realm of practicality to often troublesome dentures.

Dental implant procedure

Getting dental implants requires a minor surgical procedure. During this procedure, a titanium screw is inserted into the patient’s jaw. To allow this screw to be attached firmly, a small hole will need to be drilled into the patient’s jawbone.

The aim is for the screw to have as much contact with the natural bone as possible. This will allow the bone to integrate with the screw more easily, creating a stable anchor for whichever attachment is appropriate to complete the patient’s smile.

The implant usually takes two to six months to heal and integrate into the jawbone. Once the implant is strong and stable it can last the patient a lifetime.

Multiple missing teeth?

In Orpington, dental implants can replace a single missing tooth by the addition of a crown to the implant. This crown is custom-made to fit your smile perfectly so that no one can tell it’s not a real tooth.

If you have lost multiple teeth then a dental implant can support what is known as a bridge. Bridges bridge the gap between missing teeth. One single dental implant can support anything up to three false teeth in a row.

Another great application of dental implants is the stabilisation of dentures. If you have been a denture user for a long time or if you are new to the world of dentures, dental implants can be used to attach dentures firmly in your mouth.

This means you can do away with denture adhesives for the rest of your life and get more chewing power out of your dentures. This versatility and permanence make dental implants a preferable treatment for missing teeth.

Missing teeth may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance as well as causing difficulties with eating or speaking. Gaps can also lead to your face sagging as you are missing the teeth that would naturally support your cheeks and lips. Another issue with losing teeth is that the remaining teeth lose stability which has long-term implications for the health of your mouth. If you need restorative work but have previously dismissed the idea of dentures then you may be interested in dental implants. Orpington is the home of Orpington Dental Care where we have given patients a new lease of life with this effective technique.

What happens when I have dental implants in Orpington?

Dental implants are titanium screws which are inserted into the jaw during a minor surgical procedure. The tissues of the jaw mesh around the implants, holding them firmly in place. The implants can then be used as a base for a single replacement tooth, several teeth or a full set. If you need multiple restorations, you do not necessarily need a lot of implants. We can usually fit a bridge of up to four replacement teeth on just one implant. We are so confident about dental implants that we guarantee them for life as long as you are prepared to keep up a good standard of care. Dental implants in Orpington are a permanent, stable solution which look great.

What are the advantages?

The most immediately obvious benefit is that your smile is restored to its former glory. Your replacement teeth are made to match the tone and appearance of any existing teeth so the result is very natural. For our patients in Orpington, dental implants have also allowed them to enjoy their favourite foods again and speak without worrying about dentures falling out or their voice sounding strange. A further advantage is that implants help to strengthen your jaw. This is because they stimulate the bones and blood vessels in this area in the same way as natural tooth roots. This prevents the shrinkage of tissues where there are gaps or someone wears removeable dentures.

Give your smile and oral health a new start and see how having dental implants in Orpington can help you.

Losing your teeth affects your oral health as well as your appearance. The gaps in your smile may affect your confidence when socialising, but they can also be tricky to clean, allowing food particles and bacteria to build up to harmful levels. If you’ve lost several teeth, your jawbone may start to deteriorate, which can alter the underlying firmness of your face, leading to a sunken appearance. At our practice in Orpington, dental implants prevent these problems, and restore dental function, so you can enjoy biting and chewing your food, and smiling about it afterwards.

Integrated arrangements

The team at Orpington Dental Care will begin your treatment with an in-depth consultation. Taking the time to get to know you as a patient, we’ll learn about your dental history, and assess your teeth in detail, using contemporary imaging techniques to help create a thoroughly accurate treatment plan. We’ll also make sure your oral health is in good enough condition to accept the implants, and give you a written treatment plan, including costs.

Once you’re comfortable and ready at our practice in Orpington, dental implants, in the form of small titanium posts, will be placed into your jawbone in a minor surgical procedure. After a short period of healing, you’ll then return to us to have the replacement teeth securely attached to the posts.

Functional future

Because the material of the jawbone meshes with the implanted posts, in a process called osseointegration, your new teeth will have a very strong foundation, so you can use them just like your natural ones. They look smart and are easy to clean, so good oral hygiene is easy to achieve. And people who’ve had dental implants in Orpington can find it easier to pronounce certain words and phrases, enhancing their intelligibility and speaking confidence.

If you look after your implants properly, they will last you for the rest of your life. They are a long-term investment in your future oral health. So, whether you’ve lost several teeth to decay over the years, or just one tooth in a sporting injury, contact us today to get started on your journey towards dental implants in Orpington.

Dental implants in Orpington, at Orpington Dental Care are one of our most effective restorative treatments. If you need to replace one or more broken or missing teeth and would prefer a more permanent alternative to false teeth, a visit to one of our implant dentists will provide you with the solution you need to reclaim your smile and improve your quality of life.

What else can they offer me?

In addition to restoring your teeth and restoring your healthy, natural-looking smile, dental implants in Orpington also have several health benefits too.

The procedure for inserting dental implants is short and simple and relatively pain-free, thanks to the use of anaesthetic, which means it can all be performed during a single visit and your new teeth can be ready to use quickly.

Dental implants in Orpington are not invasive and won’t affect adjacent teeth the way dental bridges may do. They will fit comfortably in your mouth, as if they were your own natural teeth.

Dental implants in Orpington can even be used to secure dentures. This can remove the stigma and negative side-effects associated with dentures, such as gum inflammation, impaired speaking or chewing or the general embarrassment some of our patients feel when wearing them.

As long as you take good care of your new teeth, maintain a good dental hygiene routine every day and visit us for regular check-ups, dental implants at Orpington Dental Care could be a long-lasting replacement for your lost or damaged teeth.

Are dental implants for me?

Since every one of our patients is different, we believe in an individual approach to dental care. If you are looking to replace just one or several missing teeth, our implant dentists will be able to advise you accordingly and help you find the ideal replacement technique specifically for you.

The dental expertise you will receive comes from a practice with over 20 years’ experience and thousands of happy customers over the years. Our dedicated team will help you through every stage of your dental implants in Orpington. Give us a ring today and start your dental journey with us.

If you are one of the 74% of UK adults who has lost a tooth, you may be very tempted to just live with the gap. This can be especially tempting if you have just lost the odd tooth at the side or back, where it doesn’t affect your smile so much.

At Orpington Dental Care, we encourage all our patients who have lost teeth to get replacements of some kind for a number of reasons. In Orpington, dental implants are the best kind of replacement for a single missing tooth.

Why fill the gap?

If the surrounding teeth are in good health, you don’t really want to compromise them by leaving a gap. When there is a gap in the teeth, the bone and where the missing tooth used to be start to shrink through lack of use. Also, our teeth support each other in their places and when there is a gap that support is compromised, so the teeth can start to move around and tip over into the gap, even fall out. So, losing one tooth can, over time, lead to losing more teeth.

What can dental implants do?

In Orpington, dental implants work by replacing the root of the tooth as well as the crown. They are the only kind of tooth restoration that does this. Having a replacement root means that the cells in the jawbone and the gum can continue to renew themselves and keep both strong and healthy. If you opt for a bridge, you won’t get a replacement root, plus you will lose the 2 perfectly good teeth on either side of the gap, as these will have to be ground down to become the abutments for the bridge to fix onto.

When you have a dental implant, you will need to take half a day off work to have minor oral surgery under local anaesthetic to have it fitted. Once in place, the implant needs several weeks to heal and integrate with the jawbone. When that’s done, you can come back and we will fit your custom-made porcelain crown, which will blend in seamlessly with your other teeth.

Orpington dental implants can last for decades if they are well looked after.