Losing a tooth, whether from old age, accident or decay, affects the overall function of your mouth, particularly eating, it also alters your appearance dramatically, and your self-confidence can suffer significantly. If left untreated, it can also lead to bone loss and strain on surrounding teeth. Dental implants replace both the root and the crown, restoring full function and a natural appearance.
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, replacing both the root and the visible tooth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants integrate directly with the jawbone, offering stability that feels and functions like a natural tooth.
Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or support a full set of dentures where multiple teeth are missing. Timely treatment also helps prevent bone loss, which can otherwise lead to changes in facial structure and difficulty chewing over time.
If you are exploring dental implants in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, understanding your options is the first step toward choosing the right treatment and provider for your needs.
If you decide to proceed with dental implant treatment at Walton Dental Surgery in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, a further consultation will be scheduled following your free initial consultation with one of our experienced dental professionals. A detailed assessment then takes place, during which your teeth and gums will be examined, the inside and outside of your mouth will be digitally photographed and necessary X-rays will be taken. This ensures your needs are properly understood and that you receive safe, appropriate treatment.
All findings are shared with you and explained thoroughly, so you understand every detail and any associated considerations, along with the treatment options available to you. We will guide you and recommend the most suitable course of action. Once you have approved this, a bespoke treatment plan is prepared for you and provided in writing. This ensures we are fully aligned on the treatment plan and that you are entirely satisfied before proceeding.
Your implant treatment in Surrey at Walton Dental Surgery follows three stages, from placement to your final restoration.
Implant placement is the first stage. Local anaesthesia will be applied by our implantologist and a titanium implant is eased into the jaw bone, where the tooth is missing. It would take from one to two hours for this procedure – there will be no sensation as the anaesthetic is in effect. A bit of discomfort can occur after implant placement but it will abate soon after.
The implant needs to integrate with the bone to provide a solid foundation for the crown or bridge. This biological integration usually is complete within eight to 12 weeks. In rare instances, it can take longer than that and we will inform you, should that be the case.
After the dental implant successfully integrates with the bone, you are one step away from a beautiful smile. Your new tooth will be designed after taking the mould of the position of the implant. Then, a new teeth will be screwed or cemented onto the implant. Upon completion, the tooth will look, feel and function like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made from titanium or zirconia, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once integrated, they provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, restoring a natural, healthy-looking smile.
Crowns are tooth-shaped porcelain crafted to be fitted over heavily filled, chipped or broken teeth. The crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is cemented in place to fix the damaged tooth and give back the full-functionality and appearance of a natural tooth. An implant can be placed and the crown attached on top to remedy a lost tooth.
The dental verbiage is literal – bridges bridge the gap occurring between two or more missing teeth. Two teeth function as anchors to a dental bridge – they can either be two healthy teeth or two crowns fastened by dental implants with a fake tooth filling the in-between gap. Besides creating a natural looking smile, the stress that occurs to the other teeth due to the gap can be decreased with a dental bridge.
There are two main types of dental implants:
Endosteal
These dental implants resemble small screws – made out of titanium, they are infused into your jawbone. It’s the commonest dental implants
Subperiosteal
Placed on or above your jawbone or under your gum, this dental implant is used when your jawbone isn’t healthy or strong enough to have a bone augmentation performed.
FULL-ARCH TOOTH REPLACEMENT
