Treatments » Restorative Dentistry

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for your missing teeth. A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and commonly it is screw or cylinder shaped. Each implant is placed into a socket carefully drilled at the precise location of the intended tooth. Often the implant can be placed at the same time as removal of the tooth, all on the same day.

If an implant has a screw-thread on its outer surface it can be screwed into position and if it does not, it is usually tapped into place. The main aim during installation of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into microscopic roughness on the implant surface.

In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. Click here for illustrated information.

Crowns & Bridges

Badly coloured teeth can be crowned or 'capped' to strengthen them and make them look healthy again. The crowns cover the teeth completely right down to gum level, so protecting them from further decay.

Unsightly gaps can be filled with a bridge. Bridges are much better than dentures because they are fixed permanently in place with no bulky plastic plates or metal clips. They are made form porcelain, which will not wear own and discolour like plastic dentures.

A well made crown or bridge will usually last 20 years or more.

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Private Amalgam Fillings

For very large fillings, silver amalgam will probably last longer than white filling material.

Private amalgam are made from a superior grade of alloy and are shaped on the biting surface like natural teeth for maximum chewing efficiency.

They can also be polished to make them feel smooth and last longer.

BEFORE	AFTER