The use of titanium implants in dentistry has become an increasingly popular option for patients seeking a stable long-term solution to replacing their missing teeth over ordinary dentures or bridges.

Dental implants are effectively artificial tooth roots made of titanium, which are placed directly into a patients jaw and are used to anchor anything from one false tooth to an entire dentition of false teeth.

In many cases these false {or prosthetic) teeth can be secured permanently onto the implants so that they do not need to be removed day-to-day like an ordinary denture would.

In other cases dental implants can also be used to help stabilise existing loose or mobile dentures in cases where insufficient gum exists to support a normal denture.

One of the main advantages of using dental implants over conventional dentures and bridges is that they preserve the existing teeth and gums by reducing the workload placed on them. Unlike conventional dentures and bridges (where existing teeth and gums have to take up the 'slack' left by missing teeth during function) the workload of the implant-supported tooth is absorbed by the bone that the implant sits in, causing less 'wear and tear' on remaining teeth and gums.

Depending on individual patient needs, implants can be placed in a hospital under general anaesthetic or in the dental Chair under local anaesthetic.

Technology is now available that allows dental implants to be placed using a key-hole surgical technique to minimise any discomfort of swelling following the implant placement.

Healthy teeth and gums make for a beautiful smile. You smile - we smile.