Implants
What are dental implants?
At Girton Dental Practice, we offer dental implants as a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. Implants provide a stable alternative to dentures, featuring an artificial tooth root typically made from titanium that is securely placed into the jawbone. A custom-made artificial tooth, such as a crown or bridge, is then fitted onto this root, resulting in a replacement that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are ideal for replacing one or more missing teeth and can even be used to secure dentures in place. With proper care, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups at Girton Dental Practice—implants can last for many years, making them a reliable and permanent solution for restoring your smile.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant procedure at Girton Dental Practice is meticulously planned and executed over several months to ensure optimal results. Initially, the implant is placed into the jawbone, where it is allowed to heal and integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. This ensures a stable foundation for the final restoration. Once healing is complete, a bespoke crown or bridge is crafted and securely attached to the implant, perfectly matching your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Appearance: Implants provided by Girton Dental Practice are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, restoring your smile to its natural beauty.
- Bone Health: Dental implants help prevent bone resorption, which can occur after tooth loss, thereby maintaining the structure and appearance of your face.
- Durability: With proper care, implants are a lifelong solution, often lasting as long as or even longer than natural teeth.
- Preservation of Surrounding Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require alteration of adjacent teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure.
Dental Implant Aftercare
To ensure the longevity of your dental implants, it’s essential to follow a dedicated oral hygiene routine recommended by Girton Dental Practice:
Keeping Your Implant Clean
For the first two weeks after your implant is fitted at Girton Dental Practice, it’s important to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash each morning and night. This helps to keep the area around the implant free from infection and promotes healing.
Brushing Your Implant
Avoid brushing the implant site until any stitches have been removed to prevent irritation and potential infection. After this period, you should use a soft toothbrush and an antiseptic gel to gently clean the area, as advised by the professionals at Girton Dental Practice.
Eating with an Implant
In the first week post-procedure, stick to soft foods to protect the implant site from damage or infection. Once the area has fully healed, you can resume your normal diet, enjoying the confidence to eat as you would with natural teeth, thanks to the care provided by Girton Dental Practice.
Managing Pain
It’s normal to experience some discomfort once the local anesthetic wears off. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage this, but if the pain is severe, contact Girton Dental Practice immediately for assistance.
Smoking and Implants
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, it’s highly recommended to quit before undergoing implant treatment at Girton Dental Practice to ensure the best possible outcome.
Maintaining Oral Health
As with all dental care, maintaining a routine of brushing twice daily and flossing is crucial. This will help keep your implant, as well as your natural teeth, healthy and well-maintained, supported by the ongoing care from Girton Dental Practice.