Dental Implants
Replace missing teeth with dental implants in Watford
If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, you may feel embarrassed to smile or self-conscious about eating.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants give you new teeth which are fixed to the jawbone. They look natural and function just like your usual teeth.
We have treated many patients from Rickmansworth, Moor Park, Bushey, Chandler’s Cross, Watford and throughout Hertfordshire for dental implants and all were delighted with the results. This treatment really is life changing.
Dental implants consist of 3 parts:
- The titanium post which is embedded into your jaw and acts as your new tooth root
- The abutment which is fixed to the titanium post
- The crown – or new fake tooth which is attached to the abutment
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Types of dental implants in Watford
There are several types of dental implants:
Single Implant
A single dental implant is used to replace one missing tooth
Several dental implants
Several dental implants can be used to support a bridge which replaces various missing teeth
All-on-4 dental implants
All-on-4 dental implants uses 4 implants in your upper or lower jaw to replace many or all your teeth.
What is the process for dental implants in Watford?
Consultation
At your first consultation we will examine your teeth and gums to inspect the health of your mouth and make sure that you are suitable for dental implants. We will discuss your general and medical health and talk about the process for dental implants. We will also answer any concerns and questions that you have.
At this stage, we may also take X-rays and scans of your mouth and jaw to give us a better understanding of your oral health.
Dental implant surgery
The dental implant surgery will take place at Watford Dental Practice. We will give you a local anaesthetic to the area in your mouth so that you cannot feel anything. Next, the dental implants are carefully placed into your gums.
Healing
We then give your gums a period of two to six months to heal. This is an essential part of the process which allows the new dental implants a chance to fuse with your jawbone.
Fitting of your restoration
After the healing period, you will return to Watford Dental Practice to have your new crown or bridge fitted. Your new tooth or new teeth are custom-made to fit your mouth and dental implants.
Benefits of dental implants in Watford
Patients from Chandler’s Cross, Moor Park, Bushey, Rickmansworth, and Hertfordshire are choosing dental implants because:
- Dental implants are the permanent replacement for missing teeth. There’s no need to wear dentures with dental implants
- Regain your confidence with dental implants so that you can smile, eat and talk with confidence
- Once the process for dental implants is finished, you will be left with natural-looking new teeth which will look and function just like your usual teeth
- Replacing missing teeth with dental implants protects the health of your remaining teeth
- Missing teeth can affect your face shape – making it look sunken and older. Dental implants will help regain structure to your face
FAQ's for Dental Implants
Is everyone suitable for dental implants?
Most adults who are in good health are suitable for dental implants. If you are a smoker, we ask you to give up before having dental implants and this is because smoking greatly affects the success rate of dental implants.
Certain medical conditions and certain medication mean that you cannot have dental implants.
We also need to check that you have sufficient bone in your jaw before going ahead with dental implants. If there is an insufficient amount of bone, there are options we can explore before we go ahead.
Does it hurt to get dental implants?
Having dental implants does involve surgery, so it is more complex than usual dental procedures. During the surgery itself, you will not feel anything because of the local anesthetic. Your mouth is likely to feel sore once the anesthetic has worn off and you may want to eat soft foods and take paracetamol to manage the pain. Most patients are back to their usual routines within a day or two of having dental implant surgery.
How long do dental implants last for?
This depends on many factors, but on average, dental implants will last between 10 and 30 years. You can prolong the life of your dental implants by maintaining a good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth and visit your dentist and hygienist regularly.