Dental implants are considered the best way of restoring missing teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth, several missing teeth, and can even be used for a complete smile restoration.

Dental implants are thought of as being the closest thing to having a real tooth due to the way it is placed.

Small titanium implants are placed in the jaw bones to make a strong foundation for a crown to be fitted to.

How do Dental Implants work?

Titanium is a biocompatible metal which has the ability to osteo-integrate, meaning it allows bone to tightly fuse and grow around it. They are very different to other implants such as a hip replacement, which are made from surgical steal, and then cemented into place.

The first step in the process is to have a consultation with our Implantologist, Dr Puneet Jain BSc BDS (London) MJDFRSC (Eng) to ensure that a dental implant is the best solution for your case.  Study models are then made of your teeth, X-Rays  are taken and a 3D CT scan is done to see how much bone is present for the implant to be placed onto.

With all this information, Dr Jain will ascertain the size of implant that is needed to be placed, as well as confirming the sites that the implants can be placed at, to achieve the highest success rate. Once you are happy with your treatment option, the implant placement process can commence.

Implants are placed under strict sterile conditions, and under local anaesthetic (you are still awake). For a single tooth implant the procedure usually requires between 45 minutes to an hour.  The implant site is then normally left to heal for 3 months. During this 3 month Duration, our Cosmetic Dentist Dr Gurs Sehmi, will make provisions for a temporary tooth to fill the gap.  If after 3 months everything looks healthy, he will place a crown on top of the titanium implant. More complex cases will require more steps in the process, and both Dr Puneet Jain and Dr Gurs Sehmi will ensure that everything is thoroughly explained so that you get a thorough understanding of your particular case before going ahead with treatment.

How safe is the procedure?

At Onyx Dental your safety comes first, and from an infection control perspective, placing a dental implant is a minor surgical procedure. Therefore, it is carried out under strict sterile conditions. This includes using surgical drapes and gowns for the purpose of infection control.

Personal risk factors may apply, for example smoking, but Dr Puneet Jain will make you aware of all your risks prior to treatment.

Success rates are above 98%, dental implants are considered to be very safe.

Factors affecting success

The shape of the implant will affect how successful it will be. The larger the surface area the more successful it is likely to be.

How do you look after an implant?

Dental implants are easy to look after. You will need to keep up with regular visits to your dentist and continue maintaining good oral hygiene. This means thoroughly brushing (usually with an electric toothbrush) and flossing.

How long will the implant last?

If you care for your implant, you can expect it to last over 35 years.  Success rates are very high for dental implants. So despite higher initial costs, implants can work out to be a more cost effective solution in the long term.

About our Implantologist

Dr Puneet Jain BSc BDS (London) MJDFRSC (Eng)

Dr Puneet Jain is a fully UK qualified dentist and Implantologist. He has completed numerous post graduate training courses including the prestigious Royal College of Surgeon’s Diploma in Implantology, which is widely recognised as the most comprehensive training course for dental implants within the UK.

Dr Puneet Jain has a wealth of experience in restoring various types of implant cases, ranging from single tooth to full mouth reconstructions, and will ensure a positive and comfortable treatment process for you.

If Dental Implants are something that you are considering, please call our Dental Treatment Coordinator, Jay Sehmi to find out more, on 0208 799 6325.