Losing a tooth can be a daunting experience, impacting not only your smile but also your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident. While traditional dentures and bridges offer solutions, dental implants have emerged as a life-changing option providing a strong, durable, and natural-looking alternative. If you’re considering dental implants in Oxford, understanding the process and the advanced technology involved can help you feel more at ease.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible screw, usually made of titanium, that acts as a replacement for a natural tooth root. Surgically placed into your jawbone, the implant fuses with the bone over time in a process called osseointegration. This creates an incredibly strong and stable foundation for a replacement tooth, crown, or bridge. Unlike dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants offer a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Most people who are in good general and oral health are suitable candidates. The key requirement is having sufficient jawbone to support the implant. We will conduct a thorough assessment, including scans, to determine your suitability and create a personalised treatment plan.
The benefits of dental implants
Choosing dental implants offers a range of advantages beyond just a beautiful smile. These benefits include:
- Natural aesthetics and feel: Implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing a natural look and feel.
- Improved chewing and speech: Because they are anchored securely in your jaw, implants allow you to eat all your favourite foods and speak with complete confidence.
- Durability and longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, often for a lifetime, making them a wise long-term investment.
- Preservation of facial structure: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to shrink. Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing this bone loss and helping to maintain the natural contours of your face.
- Convenience and comfort: Unlike removable dentures, implants eliminate the need for adhesives and daily cleaning, and you care for them just as you would your natural teeth.
The dental implant journey: A step-by-step guide
The process of getting a dental implant is a journey that is carefully planned to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Initial consultation and assessment: The first step is a detailed consultation with us where we will discuss your medical history, oral health, and smile goals. We will also take X-rays and impressions of your mouth to assess your bone structure and overall suitability.
- Advanced planning with 3D scans: Using modern technology like 3D radiography, your dentist will create a precise plan for the implant placement.
- Surgical placement of the implant: The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone under local anaesthetic. While you may feel some pressure, the procedure is typically pain-free. The implant is then left to heal and integrate with the bone over several months.
- Fitting the final restoration: Once the implant has fully fused with the jawbone, a custom-made abutment (a small connector) and a new tooth (crown, bridge, or denture) are fitted, completing your new, permanent smile.
- Aftercare and maintenance: We will provide you with a tailored aftercare plan to ensure the long-term health of your implant. This includes regular check-ups and a commitment to excellent daily oral hygiene.
The role of 3D radiography (CBCT)
At the heart of modern implantology is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This advanced technology takes detailed 3D X-ray images of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional 2D X-rays, a CBCT scan provides a comprehensive view from every angle, which is essential for accurate treatment planning.
Why is CBCT so important for dental implants?
- Precision planning: The 3D images allow your dentist to measure bone depth, thickness, and density with incredible accuracy, ensuring they choose the right size and type of implant for you.
- Risk reduction: The detailed scan helps your dentist identify the exact location of important anatomical structures, such as nerves and sinuses, reducing the risk of complications during surgery.
- Patient suitability: CBCT scans are the most effective way to determine if you have enough bone for a dental implant, and if not, whether a bone graft or sinus lift is required.
Navident: Computer-guided implant surgery
Once a precise plan has been created using 3D imaging, we use a state-of-the-art technology called Navident to guide the implant placement. Navident is a dynamic navigation system that works like a GPS for your dentist’s handpiece.
How does Navident work?
The Navident system uses optical tracking markers placed on the patient and the drill. A stereoscopic camera tracks these markers in real-time, displaying the drill’s position, angle, and depth on a screen. This live guidance allows us to place the implant with exceptional accuracy and precision, following the pre-planned digital treatment to the millimetre. The use of Navident can reduce the duration of the surgery, enhance predictability, and improve patient safety, offering a more comfortable and precise experience.
Book your consultation
Dental implants offer a secure, natural-looking, and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. With the help of cutting-edge technologies like 3D radiography and Navident, the treatment process has become more predictable, precise, and comfortable than ever before. If you are looking to restore your smile and confidence, please book a consultation with us. We are well-versed in the latest advancements, and a consultation with us is the first step towards your new, beautiful smile.
You can book a dental implant consultation online, or call us on 01865 951861 or email info@thewhitebridgeclinic.co.uk.
