Dental Implants
Adnan Rehman
GDC No. 76253
Adnan Rehman is the implantologist at Inspired Dentistry, dental practice in Southampton. He has extensive training in both Implant and Aesthetic Dentistry. Alongside this, he has attended courses and conferences across the world and has qualified with the highest achievement possible in dental implants at the Royal College of Edinburgh. He is also an active member of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI).
Dental implants offer a truly modern way of replacing a missing tooth or teeth- allowing you to smile freely and eat with confidence once again. Gone are the uncomfortable dentures of old which can be embarrassing and intrusive in your mouth. Instead dental implants- small titanium screws implanted into your jaw bone- can be used to hold natural-looking crowns in place offering a truly secure, comfortable and long-lasting alternative for those who suffer from missing teeth.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant replicates the structure of your natural tooth with a strong titanium screw placed into the jawbone (in place of the root) holding a crown in place. Implants can be used to replace any number of teeth, front teeth or back teeth, one to all of them. Over time this screw fuses with your natural bone helping to hold it firmly in place. The result is a comfortable, strong and securely fitted crown, bridge or denture that you can rely on.
Dental implants can be fitted – irrespective of your age, the condition of your teeth or the number that need to be replaced. The main factor to consider is your general health, the condition of your gums and your potential for a successful recovery.
This revolutionary technique now allows us to use artificial bone and membranes to place implants for optimum aesthetics and place implants where they couldn’t be placed before.
For many thousands of patients worldwide, dental implants have proved a safe, long-term solution offering strong and natural-looking replacements which feel just as secure as their existing teeth.
They really could transform your life.
At Inspired Dentistry, our highly skilled dental technicians would relish the opportunity to help you regain your smile.
Why not call us today to find out more?
Dental implants – as secure, strong and natural-looking as your real teeth.
The benefits of dental implants are vast. From day one, it’s likely you’ll notice a number of improvements – both physically and psychologically.
- While traditional dentures can move around in your mouth causing discomfort and embarrassment, implants stay securely in place. Finally, you can feel confident and comfortable when eating, talking and smiling.
- Implants could vastly improve your overall oral health. With gaps in your arch, the other teeth can start to rotate or move – dental implants help to prevent this. Likewise, they protect the jawbone from any further recession due to a lack of stimulation.
- Food and bacteria can no longer be trapped in gaps so the potential for tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath is reduced.
Dental implants can help to greatly improve speech. - They can be placed with no effect on your existing healthy teeth.
- General self-confidence can be significantly improved -particularly if your missing tooth is visible.
- Dental implants are now a well-established, safe and effective way of replacing one, several – even all of your teeth if necessary!
Are dental implants suitable for me?
On the whole, dental implants are suitable for the majority of patients – providing you are in good health. If you suffer from diabetes or are a heavy smoker you are at a greater risk of developing gum disease or infections following surgery. Therefore we may suggest an alternative treatment for you.
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene after the procedure to help with the recovery process. If they aren’t cleaned properly, your implants can develop a coat of residue, much like plaque builds on our natural teeth. If this happens it could lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and discomfort.
Overall, strong healthy gums and jawbone are the main factors to take into consideration when we decide if dental implants are suitable for you.
What if I’ve had issues with gum disease?
If you have suffered from gum disease in the past you may now have lower bone density. Don’t despair as there are a number of ways in which we could improve the situation.
Bone grafts and sinus lifts can both be used to help rebuild any missing bone. Do be aware though – if procedures such as these are required, healing will need to take place before your implants are fitted.
What is involved in the fitting of a dental implant?
In a straightforward case, the insertion of implant treatment will take around 15 minutes.
If necessary, it is possible to extract an existing tooth and fit your new implant immediately. This will however, depend on the tooth we are working on and the condition of your gums.
Will it hurt?
Implants are normally fitted under a local anaesthetic so you will not feel any pain during the procedure, although you may experience some discomfort in the days and weeks afterwards. If you are particularly nervous or your case is more complex, then a sedative can be used. Overall, placing an implant is generally easier than removing a tooth.
During the recovery time, a temporary restoration (or full dentures) can be worn if required.
Every patient is unique and your requirements will be discussed with you prior to commencement. Long term care is vital and regular check-ups and other maintenance will be scheduled as required.
Over 95% of implants are successful and with good levels of oral health and regular long-term dental care, they can last for 15 years or more.