Do I need dental implants?
Teeth allow us to do some of the most enjoyable things in life: enjoying meals with loved ones, having long conversations with friends or smiling in photos to create memories that will last forever. But sometimes, missing teeth or loose dentures can prevent us from making the most of these moments.
Does this situation sound familiar?
What we’re describing is common - but thankfully, it’s something that we help patients to overcome every day.
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Dr Stephen Quinn offers a permanent, natural-looking solution that will transform the way you live your life. Those foods you used to eat whenever you could? They’ll return to your diet again, and you’ll enjoy them without any pain. The urge to cover your mouth when laughing with friends or smiling in photos? It will become a thing of the past. Instead, you’ll discover new-found confidence, happiness, and a sense of self.
What makes dental implants so special?
Dental implants integrate into your jawbone, making them a permanent solution to replace missing or loose teeth. Not only does the tooth blend in perfectly with your other natural teeth, but the artificial titanium ‘root’ anchors it to your jaw, just like a natural tooth root. It looks and functions exactly like your natural teeth, so no one needs to know you’ve had treatment.
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With Dr Stephen Quinn, your implant treatment will:
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Restore facial structure where you might otherwise lose bone density
Be carried out in a safe and predictable way
Last for up to 30 years (or longer) with proper maintenance
Maintain the health of your gums, surrounding teeth, and jaw
Help you regain your confidence and youthful appearance
Give you healthy teeth to help you enjoy life with
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Stephen has years of experience transforming patients’ smiles - so whether you’re looking to replace a single tooth or an entire mouth of teeth, he can help. Why not book a consultation to see what we could do for you?
Our simple three-step treatment process
Your initial consultation
This is the exciting part for us, as we meet you for the first time! During our consultation, we will get to know you and learn all about your dental concerns. Once we have a good idea of your problems, we will explain how we can help you overcome them with implant treatment. You have a few options, such as:
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Replacing one tooth with a single implant
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Replacing multiple missing teeth, including an entire mouth
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Replacing dentures with implants
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Securing existing dentures to make them more sturdy
We have invested in the most cutting-edge technology that dentistry has to offer, including 3D scanners to help us plan your treatment at the consultation stage. We will even use these to show you a simulation of what your smile could look like after implant treatment!
During this session, we will inform you of all the potential treatment options, risks, benefits, and costs. This way, you can ask questions and go into the procedure armed with all the facts.
The implant placement procedure
You might be dreading this part, but trust us! It’s relatively painless, mainly due to the local anaesthetic we administer before the procedure. If you’re particularly nervous about the treatment, we can offer IV sedation; this means you will be conscious during the procedure but in a state of deep relaxation.
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The procedure will only take around 20 minutes per tooth, and patients often report it as less painful than a tooth extraction! In most cases, we will temporarily replace your missing tooth with a crown until we fit your permanent replacement tooth.
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Discomfort in the days following the procedure is normal, and we recommend painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen to manage this.
Creating and fitting your replacement crown
Now, this is the most exciting part for you. Around three to four months after your placement, the titanium implant will have fused with your jaw in a process called ‘osseointegration’. It’s there to stay!
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We will take an impression and send it to our specialist dental lab. They will tailor-make a crown that matches your natural teeth perfectly.
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Around two weeks later, after the lab has created your crown and returned it to us, we will see you at the practice to screw it into your dental implant. And voilà! A replacement tooth that looks and functions just like your natural teeth.
Caring for your dental implant
Dental implants can last more than 30 years, but like natural teeth, they require care and attention. Here are some simple steps to follow if you want to maximise the lifespan of your new teeth:
Brush for two minutes twice a day, and never forget to floss or use interdental brushes. This routine will prevent tooth decay and gum disease; healthy teeth and gums can guarantee the long-lasting results of your dental implants. ​​
If you smoke, quit. It seriously damages your oral health.
Visit your dental hygienist every six months if you can, or as regularly as your dentist recommends.
Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist so that they can monitor your oral health and check that all is in order with your dental implants.