Implants & Implant Dentures
Restore Your Smile
Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak and smile with confidence. They can also contribute to changes in your bite and the position of surrounding teeth over time.
At Ashmore Smile, we offer dental implants and implant-supported dentures to help restore missing teeth with stable, functional and natural-looking solutions. Your treatment is carefully planned around your oral health, bone structure, bite and individual goals.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium or suitable biocompatible implant placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone, it can support a dental crown, bridge or denture. This provides a stable foundation for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Dental implants can be used to replace:
- A single missing tooth
- Multiple missing teeth
- Several teeth with an implant-supported bridge
- An entire arch of missing teeth with an implant-supported denture
Benefits of Dental Implants
Depending on your individual circumstances, dental implants can help:
- Replace missing teeth without relying solely on neighbouring teeth
- Restore chewing and biting function
- Improve speech and comfort
- Provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth
- Support a natural-looking smile
- Help maintain the structure of the jaw following tooth loss
- Improve confidence when eating and smiling
Your dentist will assess whether implants are suitable for you and discuss the expected benefits and limitations of treatment.
What Is an Implant-Supported Denture?
An implant-supported denture is a type of denture that is secured to dental implants rather than relying only on suction, adhesives or the natural shape of the gums for support.
Implants are strategically placed in the jaw and connected to the denture using specialised attachments. This can provide greater stability and reduce movement of the denture during everyday activities such as eating and speaking.
Implant-supported dentures may be suitable for patients who are missing several teeth or an entire arch of teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures vs Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and can be removed by the patient. Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to provide additional retention and stability.
For suitable patients, implant-supported dentures may offer:
- Improved stability while eating and speaking
- Reduced movement of the denture
- Improved comfort and confidence
- Better chewing function
- A more secure fit
The most appropriate option depends on your individual oral health, bone levels, number of remaining teeth and treatment goals.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Implant treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation and assessment. Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, bite and jaw and discuss your medical and dental history.
Digital scans, X-rays or 3D imaging may be used to assess the available bone and determine the ideal position for the implants.
We will discuss your treatment options, expected timeline, potential risks and costs before treatment begins.
If you have insufficient bone to support an implant in the planned position, additional procedures such as bone grafting may sometimes be considered.
Dental Implant Treatment Process
1
Consultation and Planning
We begin by understanding your concerns and goals. Your oral health and suitability for implant treatment are assessed, and a personalised treatment plan is developed.
2
Implant Placement
The dental implant is carefully placed into the jawbone under appropriate local anaesthetic or other planned sedation options.
A temporary tooth or denture may be provided where appropriate while the implant heals.
3
Healing and Integration
The implant needs time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This process, known as osseointegration, provides a stable foundation for the final restoration.
The healing period varies depending on the individual and the complexity of treatment.
4
Final Restoration
Once healing is complete and the implant is ready, your dentist will proceed with the final restoration.
Depending on your treatment plan, this may be an individual crown, implant-supported bridge or implant-supported denture.
The final restoration is carefully checked for fit, function, appearance and bite before being secured into place.
Your dentist can demonstrate the most appropriate cleaning techniques and recommend suitable interdental brushes or other cleaning aids.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are not suitable for everyone, and treatment success depends on several factors, including adequate bone, healthy gums and good oral hygiene.
Smoking, uncontrolled gum disease and certain medical conditions may affect implant treatment and healing. Your dentist will assess your individual circumstances and explain whether implants are appropriate.
