Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery

Dental implants are considered the gold standard treatment for replacing missing teeth due to their natural appearance, longevity, resistance to cavities and ability to prevent jawbone deterioration, a common result of tooth loss. 

At Welbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in dental implant treatment, providing the personalised, high-quality care you need to achieve optimal oral health.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium screw that’s surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Over a short period of time, the surrounding bone will fuse to it, holding the implant firmly in place.

Once a dental implant is fitted, a crown (false tooth) can then be fitted on top, as a replacement for a missing tooth. Dental implants can also be used when there aren't enough natural tooth roots to support dentures or build bridgework. 

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution that not only provide you with a natural-looking smile but can also improve your speech and ability to chew, preserve jawbone and improve your overall oral health.

Types of dental implants

At Welbeck, we provide all types of dental implant surgery, which include:

• single-tooth and multiple-tooth implants - implants are fitted to replace the roots of 1 or more missing teeth

• implant-supported bridges - this treatment is often recommended when there are multiple missing or failing teeth in a row and even a full jaw (upper/lower or both)

• implant-supported dentures - this solution is used when dentures have been in place for a very long time and there has been significant bone loss. When dentures no longer stay in properly, implants are used to support these dentures

Same-day dental implants

Having dental implant surgery and fitting a crown traditionally requires several months to complete. The dental implant, once fitted, is then allowed to heal before a crown can be placed, and this forms the basis of many implant treatments. 

With advances in treatment, it’s now possible to place a dental implant and fit a temporary natural-looking tooth or even a full set of teeth in a single day. 

Once the implant is placed, the temporary tooth or teeth will be fitted and will stay in place for around 3 months while the implant site heals. Once healing is complete, the temporary crown(s) can be replaced with permanent versions.

Implant materials and durability

How long implants last depends largely on the durability of the materials they are made from. The majority of dental implants are made of titanium or zirconia.

Titanium implants are incredibly strong and are also corrosion-resistant, so most will last a lifetime with proper care. More recently, the demand for metal-free implants has driven the production of Ceramic (Zirconia) implants, which are also very durable.

Implant prosthetics are typically made of high-impact medical acrylics or ceramics, too. Both implants and prosthetics tend to have a survival rate of over 90% at 10 to 15 years.

Dental implant procedure steps 

When you visit us for dental implant surgery, you begin your journey with an initial consultation with one of our oral and maxillofacial specialists. 

At this appointment, your consultant will assess your oral health and the work required. Treatment plans are personalised to each patient, and the steps involved can vary depending on what’s needed. 

Our specialists provide end-to-end treatment for dental implants, covering all steps, including:

• removal of a damaged tooth

• preparation of jawbone (grafting)

• dental implant placement 

• crown or denture fitting

The dental implant procedure itself is typically straightforward. Your consultant will administer a local anaesthetic to the implant site, so you feel no pain during the procedure. They will then create a small incision and make a precise preparation of the underlying jawbone. The implant is then inserted, and the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may have your new tooth fitted on the same day, or you may need to return to have your crown(s) placed after the implant has fused and healed in the jaw.

At Welbeck, dental implants are carried out on an outpatient basis, so an overnight hospital stay is not required. Treatment takes place in our state-of-the-art facilities to ensure you experience the highest level of comfort and care and leave us with the best possible outcome. 

Benefits of dental implants

If you’re considering dental implant surgery, knowing some of the benefits may help you come to a decision. 

The main advantages of replacing lost teeth with dental implants are:

• a natural, healthy-looking smile

• boosted self-esteem and confidence

• the longevity of the treatment (lifetime of the implant)

• improved oral health 

• restored function (improved chewing and speech)

• jawbone preservation

• a high success rate (over 95%)

Who is suitable for dental implants?

At Welbeck, our specialists provide expert treatment no matter the complexity of your case and the treatment required. 

We provide dental implants to patients with:

• 1 or multiple missing or failing natural teeth

• jawbone deterioration or loss

• failing implants, crowns and bridges

• uncomfortable or unreliable removable dentures

• a need for full-mouth restoration

• gum disease

Dental implant aftercare 

Your consultant care doesn’t end once treatment is completed. Our specialists ensure you make a full recovery with specialist aftercare advice and follow-up appointments to check the health of your implant. 

After dental implant surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, bruising and minor bleeding. Your consultant will ensure you leave with any pain medications or antibiotics needed to ensure your recovery is comfortable, quick and successful. 

They will also provide you with aftercare advice to follow at home, such as what to eat and what not to eat, how to clean your implant and things to avoid, such as drinking alcohol, smoking and using straws.