Blackwater, Camberley
Dental Implants
Rediscover the joy of a complete smile with Blackwater Dental Surgery & Implant Centre. Our expert team is dedicated to providing you with dental implants that offer both beauty and functionality, tailored just for you.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a sophisticated dental device designed to replace missing teeth, closely mimicking the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. It consists of three main components:
- Crown / prosthesis (top part) — The crown, custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, is the visible part of the implant. It’s attached to the abutment and functions like a natural tooth, allowing for comfortable eating and a natural appearance.
- Abutment (middle) — Once the implant post has integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the post. This component sits above the gum line and acts as the connection between the implant post and the replacement tooth (crown). The abutment ensures that the final crown is securely attached to the implant post.
- The implant post (bottom) — It is a small, screw-like structure made of titanium or titanium alloy, materials known for their durability and biocompatibility. This post serves as the artificial root of the tooth and is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over time, the bone grows around it in a process called osseointegration, providing stable support for the artificial tooth.
Single dental implant and multiple implants
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants offer a robust and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore your smile’s functionality and appearance. At Blackwater Dental Surgery & Implant Centre, we specialise in both single and multiple dental implants, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Here’s what you need to know about each option.
Single implant
Ideal for filling in a single gap, single dental implants mimic a natural tooth from root to crown without compromising adjacent teeth. Comprising a titanium post, an abutment, and a custom crown, they’re a top pick for preserving oral health, maintaining facial structure, and ensuring the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth remain intact.
Multiple implants
When multiple teeth are missing, multiple dental implants offer a robust solution. By inserting two or more implants into the jaw, they can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, providing a more natural feel than traditional dentures and preserving facial structure. These implants are key to replacing numerous teeth, offering superior stability for daily activities and promoting overall oral health without affecting remaining natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Durability → Designed to last a long time with proper care, they offer a long-lasting solution beyond just tooth replacement.
Convenience → A hassle-free alternative to dentures, staying securely in place without the need for adhesives or nightly removal.
Restore function → Provides a significant uplift, restoring full dental function with a natural-looking smile, enabling you to enjoy life without hesitation.
We prioritise excellence
At Blackwater Dental Surgery & Implant Centre, we are choosing only the top brands in dental implants: Straumann, Osstem, and BioHorizons. Straumann is globally recognised for its precision and quick healing implants, while Osstem offers versatile and cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. BioHorizons stands out for its innovative technology that ensures long-lasting durability and natural aesthetics.
Each brand’s unique strengths—from Straumann’s rapid integration and Osstem’s patient comfort to BioHorizons’ aesthetic outcomes—align with our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and visually pleasing dental restorations.
By using these leading brands, we ensure your dental implant journey is backed by the latest advancements, providing a foundation for smiles that are as durable as they are beautiful!
What is the dental implant journey?
1. Initial consultation
It begins with a detailed consultation, including a dental exam and possibly X-rays or 3D imaging to assess your oral health and bone structure. This stage helps in planning the implant type and placement.
2. Preparation
Depending on your needs, this might involve preparing the site, including any necessary extractions or bone grafting to ensure a solid foundation for the implant.
3. Implant placement
Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as a new tooth root.
4. Healing
A crucial phase where the implant integrates with the jawbone, creating a stable base. This process can take several months, during which temporary teeth can be placed for aesthetic purposes.
5. Abutment placement
Once the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment is attached to the post above the gum line. This component will hold the new tooth.
5. Crown placement
The final step involves attaching the custom-made crown to the abutment, completing your smile restoration. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in color and shape.
Are dental implants right for you?
Getting dental implants requires good health, adequate jawbone density, patience for a months-long process, and a commitment to oral hygiene and regular dental visits; if you’re ready to explore if they’re the right choice for your situation, our dental practice is here to offer expert advice, thorough assessments, and detailed information.
Reach out to schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile, as we’re eager to support your journey to achieving your dental health goals!
Screw-Retained Crowns vs Cemented Crowns
Screw-Retained Crowns
Screw-retained implant crowns are favoured for their ease of removal and lack of cement requirement. However, their suitability depends on the position of the bone. If the screw access is visible, it may not be aesthetically pleasing, as it can reveal that the crown and the implant are artificial.
Cemented Crowns
Cemented crowns involve a two-piece assembly where an abutment is attached to the implant with a screw, and the crown is then cemented onto the abutment. This method offers a natural appearance without a screw access hole, providing superior cosmetic flexibility. However, inflammation can occur around the soft tissue due to cement, and removal options are limited once fitted.
At Blackwater Dental Surgery & Implant Centre, we ensure that we find the most suitable dental implant crown for you. Both implant types are cost-effective and deliver excellent results when used correctly.
Screw-Retained Crowns
Procedure
Attached directly to the implant using a screw that enters through the top of the crown.
The abutment and crown are fused into one component, eliminating the need for cement.
Advantages
Easily removable and reattachable, ideal for repairs and adjustments.
Allows quick fixes for minor issues, such as crown loosening.
Disadvantages
Inferior cosmetic appearance, especially for front teeth where the screw may be visible.
Risk of porcelain crown chipping around the screw access hole.
Cemented Crowns
Procedure
A two-piece assembly: an abutment attached to the implant with a screw, followed by cementing the crown onto the abutment.
Provides a natural appearance with no visible screw access hole.
Advantages
Not dependent on implant angulation.
More natural appearance, suitable for all cases, ideal for complex needs.
Disadvantages
Difficult removal if needed.
Cement residue can affect soft tissue and cause dental issues.
Our cutting-edge technology
3Shape Trios Scanner
At Blackwater Dental Surgery & Implant Center, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care using the latest dental technology. Our use of the 3Shape TRIOS MOVE+ scanner for dental implants exemplifies our commitment to precision, comfort, and patient satisfaction.
Accurate and Efficient Scanning
- High-Resolution 3D Scans: Captures detailed images of your teeth and gums.
- Realistic Colors: Ensures your dental implants look natural.
- Speed: Reduces the time needed for impressions, making your visit quicker and more comfortable.
Improved Patient Comfort
- Digital Impressions: Eliminates the need for messy impression materials.
- Quick and Comfortable: Enhances your overall experience at our clinic.
Enhanced Treatment Planning
- Better Visualisation: Allows for more precise planning of your dental implants.
- Integrated Shade Measurement: Ensures your restorations match your natural teeth.
- Dynamic Occlusion Capture: Ensures perfect fit and bite alignment.
Patient Engagement
- TRIOS Treatment Simulator: Preview potential treatment outcomes.
- Smile Design: Helps you make informed decisions about your dental care.
Experience the future of dental implants with the precision and comfort provided by the 3Shape TRIOS 3 scanner at Blackwater Dental Surgery & Implant Center.
Contact us today to learn how this advanced technology can enhance your smile.
How does it work?
Frequently Asked Questions - Dental Implants
The NHS typically covers dental treatments necessary for oral health, but dental implants are usually considered cosmetic. Therefore, they’re not commonly funded by the NHS, except under specific medical conditions.
Like any surgery, there can be some discomfort associated with dental implant procedures, but it’s generally manageable. We use local anaesthesia to minimise pain during the procedure and we can guide you through the recovery period.
Pain levels can vary from person to person, but many report that the discomfort from tooth extraction is more immediate, whereas any discomfort from implant surgery tends to be mild and manageable with medication.
While both options replace missing teeth, implants are generally preferred for their stability, comfort, and ability to prevent bone loss. Dentures can be less expensive initially but may not offer the same natural feel or long-term benefits as implants.
mplants offer a stability that closely mimics natural teeth, making it easier to eat a wide range of foods without the worry of slippage or discomfort that can sometimes occur with dentures.
It’s possible to get dental implants even if you’ve experienced bone loss. Your dentist might recommend a bone graft to provide a solid foundation for the implant, which can successfully restore functionality and aesthetics to your smile.
