At Green Room Dentistry we frequently use dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are often the closest we have to a natural dentition.
Dental implants are nothing new, they have been used to permanently replace teeth since the mid-60’s. The Straumann dental implant system we routinely use is backed by over 35 years of extensive scientific clinical evidence.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They are small precision engineered screws (usually made of titanium, a titanium alloy) that are placed into the jawbone to act like tooth roots.
Over time, the bone fuses to the textured surface of the implant locking it in place. It is then used to hold either a dental crown, bridge or dentures into place.
© Institut Straumann AG, 2020. All rights reserved. By courtesy of Institut Straumann AG
© Institut Straumann AG, 2020. All rights reserved. By courtesy of Institut Straumann AG
Dental Implants in Cornwall from Green Room Dentistry
Richard has been providing dental implants for his patients since 2004. This is his primary passion in dentistry and he still gets a real buzz out of providing this life changing treatment.
We have an on-site CT scanner and digital intra-oral scanners so we can visualise your mouth, teeth and jaws in 3D.
This allows us to carefully plan your case so we can carry out treatment with the upmost accuracy, efficiency and with less time in the dental chair.
50+
Years Experience
WOW! Dental Awards Winner
5 Star Google Reviews
GDC Registered
Why Dental Implants?
A few reasons why you should consider implants instead of other solutions:
- They look, feel and function like your natural teeth
- Healthy teeth do not need to be ground down to support the dental implants
- Anchoring dental implants in the jawbone stimulates bone tissue and gums, ensuring an attractive, aesthetic result while helping to maintain facial structures
- Dental implants do not require any adhesives to hold the new teeth in place
- They eliminate the discomfort and insecurity of loose, ill-fitting dentures
- You have a secure, permanent tooth replacement
“I have recently had five teeth implants at the Green Room performed by Richard Hudson and his team. Excellent work – the procedure was explained thoroughly all the way through. Anyone contemplating having this work done, I would strongly recommend them having a consultation with Richard.”
Frank
Examples of before and after dental implants
The stages of dental implant treatment
Undergoing dental implant treatment might seem a little daunting – but it needn’t. Below are the stages involved in dental implant treatments.
Complimentary consultation (non-clinical)
If you’re considering dental implant treatment and want to find out more, we are happy to provide a preliminary consultation with one of our treatment coordinators free of charge.
Clinical assessment
If you would prefer to book straight in for a more extensive implant assessment with our implant dentist Richard. Based on the results of this assessment, we will be able to determine your suitability for dental implant treatment. We usually then advise a three-dimensional X-ray called a CT scan.
The available treatment options and costs are then carefully planned before the treatment begins, and you’ll receive an outline of the proposed treatment in writing.
Preparation
You might require preparatory treatment before your implant treatment can begin. For example, teeth that are beyond saving may need to be removed or temporary teeth made if gaps are visible. We find most people require very little preparatory intervention at all.
Implant placement
Your dental implants will be inserted carefully and painlessly into your jaw bone. This treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic (and normally takes less time than a big filling). We often use a 3D printed template for accuracy and minimal invasiveness. You’ll leave with an after-care pack and detailed home care instructions to follow. We arrange to see you after one week to review healing and remove any stitches. The implants are then left for several weeks undisturbed to allow them to integrate with the bone.
Preparing for the replacement tooth/teeth
This is similar to conventional dentistry in that we must first take a mould of the mouth. Fortunately we have invested in digital intra-oral scanners. This means your ‘mould’ is taken with a small camera, not a mouth full of ‘putty’.
The scan is then sent, securely through the cloud, to our dental laboratory partners for the final teeth to be made. We also provide them with specialised photographs (with filters and reference cards) to help get the best match to your natural teeth.
Fitting the replacement tooth/teeth
Once produced by our dental laboratory partners, your crown, bridge or denture is fitted and checked.
After a few weeks, you’ll be invited for a review to confirm that everything is satisfactory.
Your questions answered about Dental Implants
People are often surprised with how little discomfort is experienced during treatment. Just after the dental implants are placed in the mouth, any discomfort can usually be managed at home with normal painkillers. Some minor swelling occasionally occurs and is normal, this subsides within a few days after surgery.
If you look after your dental implants with good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, they should last many years. However, sometimes they do not last that long. It’s akin to having a hip replacement – you would expect the artificial hip to last 10-20 years and then it might need re-treating. Dental implants require a similar approach. They are not a ‘fit and forget’ solution and require regular professional inspection and maintenance, as well as careful daily cleaning at home.
Costs for treatment will vary greatly depending on how many dental implants you need, what type of replacement tooth (or teeth) you choose and overall treatment time. As every case is different, we will provide a treatment plan tailored specifically to you, which will include all the expected costs. You do not always need a dental implant to replace each missing tooth and we commonly use just 4 to give a full set of teeth in each jaw.
Dental implants are usually more costly than other options to replace missing teeth, but they are also likely to last longer than other treatments for missing teeth.
Clinical assessment – £315
CT scan – £265
Dental implant treatment starts from £3250 for a single tooth.
Most adults with good dental and general health will be suitable for dental implants. Age is not an issue and we have successfully provided many people in their seventies and eighties with implants.
Young people whose mouths and jawbones are still growing are usually not suitable. Anyone who smokes or drinks heavily may also not be suitable for treatment. These habits increase the risk of problems with treatment so we prefer to wait until the behaviours are changed before placing dental implants.
In addition, people who have gum disease may need to improve the health of their gums before dental implants could be considered. Those who are more susceptible to gum disease will be at a higher risk of developing problems, both in the short and long term, with their dental implant.
If you look after your dental implants with good oral hygiene, and visit your dentist regularly, they should last many years. However, sometimes they do not last that long. It’s akin to having a hip replacement – you would expect the artificial hip to last 10-20 years and then it might need re-treating. Dental implants require a similar approach. They are not a ‘fit and forget’ solution and require regular professional inspection and maintenance, as well as careful daily cleaning at home.
Pure titanium or titanium alloyed with zirconium.
The material implants are made from are biocompatible.
As this is a surgical procedure, you should expect minor discomfort immediately after dental implant placement. The amount of discomfort experienced is related to the complexity and length of procedure. Most people have very little discomfort, while others can usually manage minor discomfort with normal painkillers at home. Modern dental techniques, products and technologies make the procedure quick, efficient and pain-free in many cases.
Dependant on the number of implants you are having placed this will depend on the length of your appointment. With years of experience and the latest technology we are able to fit a single tooth implant in as little as 30 minutes. Implant treatment from start to finish takes as little as 3 months.
A small titanium screw is inserted into your jawbone. Titanium is a metal accepted by the body and heals together with the bone tissue to form a new, stable tooth root. An abutment is a titanium component that ensures a secure connection between the dental implant and the crown, bridge teeth or denture.
Dental implants involve cutting-edge technologies and products, and professionals have to undergo extensive clinical training to offer this treatment. Therefore, the cost of dental implants reflects the complexity of the procedure and the skill of the dentist. The cost for a full mouth rehabilitation with dental implants is similar to that of a knee replacement done privately. Both these procedures will improve your health and quality of life for years to come.
Adults of all ages can and do get dental implants. A tooth or teeth can be lost for several reasons – sporting injury, accident, tumour etc. – regardless of whether they’re in their 30s or 80s. The only limitation is that young people whose jaws are still growing may need to wait a few years before seeking treatment.
What our lovely clients say...
"Just wanted to say how delighted I am with the work you have done on my teeth. You made me feel relaxed and safe during these difficult times. Feel like a new person with my new teeth!! Thank you so much."
Treatment: Veneers
"All the staff are absolutely lovely. At these trying times they make you feel safe and cared for. Had many procedures over the years. Wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else."
Treatment: Aligners
"Very caring team who listen to their patients and look after them all the way through from check up to treatment. I have been attending the Green Room Dentistry since moving to Cornwall 5 years ago and would certainly recommend them."
Treatment: Veneers