An implant is an artificial replacement for a missing tooth. It is generally made up of three parts: a titanium screw, an abutment and the overlying crown.

The titanium screw has a specially treated surface which allows it to bond to your bone. The screw is generally hollow in part to allow the attachment of the abutment which screws into the top.

The abutment can be made of titanium metal or zirconia ceramic which allows the addition and support of the overlying crown. The overlying crown can be made of most materials that normal crowns are made of such as metal, ceramic or a combination of both, it is then either screw retained or cemented into place. Some implants connect differently which allows a reduction of components and a reduced risk of component failure

FROM £3000

Implants can generally be placed in most adults with good general and oral health, with a success rate of about 95-97%. Smoking may lead to a reduction in the success outcome. However, if they are well maintained they will last for many years.

Implants can be used to replace most teeth and you don’t necessarily need one implant per missing tooth. These days, most people can have dental implants in most places in their mouth; occasionally further procedures are sometimes necessary to facilitate this.

The restoration of spaces with Implants takes place over a number of appointments and can take up to 20 weeks before completion.

If you have a failing, terminal dentition or loose dentures you may consider having an implant supported prosthesis.

By placing 2 or more implants, your denture can be supported in place which will enhance its retention and give you more confidence when you’re out in public just talking to your friends or eating a nice meal out. The denture however, will still need removing at night time and to clean it.

Simon has had experience of placing and/or restoring most of the leading Implants available in this country. He is of the belief that not one implant system is suitable for each individual needs, and currently uses a number of different  systems.

Simon uses Tri Dental Implants, Oxy and Bicon implants.

Bicon implants are short implants that are extremely useful in areas where conventional implant placement may need block bone grafts, Sinus membrane lifts, or where there is limited height of bone due to anatomical structures such as the inferior dental nerve in the lower arch.

The versatility of using different implants allows 2 different implants to be placed next to each other to optimise the features of both systems and limiting further procedures for the patient.

Simon can provide an assessment to discuss your individual implant needs and answer any questions or concerns.

Please also see www.consideringdentalimplants.co.uk