Dental implants can restore your smile, even if you’ve suffered bone loss

Dental implants are one of the most rapidly growing areas of modern dentistry. At Capital Dental in Twickenham our skilled implants team can replace one, some, or even all of your natural teeth using implants. Even if another dentist has told you that you are not a suitable candidate for implant treatment because you have suffered bone resorbtion (shrinkage) we urge you to get in touch with us, because we may well still be able to help you.

dental-implants-hamptonDental implants and bone loss

As the only way a dentist can replace the root portion of one or more missing teeth, dental implants play a vital role in helping to stop bone loss, which is a common side-effect of losing teeth. Without the tooth roots in place, the jaw bone is prone to resorbtion, which means it shrinks back. This can make the placement of dental implants more difficult, but not impossible.

Dental implants are made out of titanium, which is osteoconductive – supportive of bone growth. They help to alleviate the problems associated with bone loss, which include premature sagging of the facial skin and problems with dentures that become increasingly loose.

When you come to Capital Dental in Twickenham for an implant assessment, your dentist will assess the current level of bone density. If it is found to be insufficient to support implants, we may be able to perform a bone graft or a sinus lift. Both of these procedures are designed to rebuild your bone (using your own or donor/synthetic bone material) prior to implant placement. Our modern Twickenham practice is fully equipped to provide these procedures, which are commonly carried out under sedation.

Bone grafts or sinus lifts will add, on average, six months to your total treatment time, but it will be worth it to maximise your implants’ chance of success.

Dental implants are fitted at our Twickenham practice under either local anaesthetic or sedation, depending on your preference. Dentures, a bridge, or a crown, will then be attached on top, restoring not just your smile but also the full functionality of a healthy jaw of teeth.