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  • Cutting Edge Technology for Dental Implants in 2022

    We’ve placed thousands of Dental Implants for patients in Oxford and Oxfordshire which means we’re changing the way people live. Dental Implants have revolutionised dentistry having been designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. Every day at Summertown Dental & Implants in Oxford we see patients who’ve lost teeth and then regained the ability to eat virtually anything, confident their teeth appear natural, their facial contours preserved, so they can smile again with the carefree joy of youth. It’s no exaggeration to say the treatment is truly life-changing.

    WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

    The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as rock-solid tooth root substitutes. They’re surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth placed on top. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

    Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

    THE Implant SURGERY

    For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with your jawbone. You’ll wear temporary dentures and eat a soft-food diet which the team at Summertown Dental & Implants in Oxford will advise on during this time. Your Oxford dentist will simultaneously be creating new replacement teeth.

    After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Your dental implant surgeon will uncover the implants and attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption to their daily life.

    ADVANCES IN Dental Implant Surgery For 2022

    Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, the implant team at Summertown Dental & Implants in Oxford are able to place sameday implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before placing artificial teeth on them. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible in select cases, to extract teeth, and place implants with crowns at one visit. This process, called “immediate loading” greatly simplifies the surgical process and leads to faster healing times.

    We use all the latest cutting-edge dental implant technology to accurately determine the quantity and quality of your bone and plan precisely where to place the implant. Cone Beam CT Scans means we get a precise and highly detailed 3D image which leads to safer, more predictable implant placement and a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

    Our philosophy of continual investment in new technology and training means we’re confident in providing the very highest quality care which is reflected in our high dental implant success rates and excellent patient outcomes and post-care patient feedback.

    WHO ACTUALLY PERFORMS THE IMPLANT PLACEMENT?

    Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr Satinder Dhami performs the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your Oxford dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

    TYPES OF PROSTHESES or Crowns

    A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed one is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

    WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS?

    Patients who’ve chosen to have dental implants nearly always tell us they wished they’d had the treatment earlier. Losing teeth can seriously impact quality of life and even have a negative impact on mental health.

    Put simply, Dental Implants are a pathway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

    DENTAL IMPLANTS Vs Dentures?

    In short, Dental Implants are the best we have right now. Dentures represent an older, less effective technology and have negative attributes such as; loose fits, slippage and the need to remove at night. Once Dental Implants are placed the best thing that can be said is you’ll forget about them. What price can you put on peace of mind?

    ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR IMPLANTS?

    If you’re considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, we may recommend ways to improving outcomes, such as bone grafting.

    Post-Care For Dental IMPLANTS

    Once the implants are in place, they should serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments at Summertown Dental & Implants.

    Contact Us today for more information or to book a consultation. Click here for a free Dental Implant Video Consultation.