Category: Dental implants

If you have lost some teeth, or are on the way to losing some, you will know how important teeth actually are. Sure, they look nice, but they are also very important for chewing and therefore ingesting the right nutrients we need to be healthy.

The trouble with traditional false teeth in the form of full or partial dentures, or fixed bridges, is that they do not give us back our full chewing power. Indeed, when people start to wear dentures, they get a long list of foods that are now beyond their chewing capabilities. Dentures only have about a quarter of the chewing power of real teeth. This is one reason why dental implants in St John’s Wood are proving so popular. Food is increasingly being discovered to be as important as medicine for good health, and, unless you want to live on smoothies and soups for the rest of your life, being able to chew is vital to maintaining nutrient levels and therefore health.

How do dental implants work?

In St John’s Wood, dental implants at Aura Dental are giving people back the full functionality of their teeth. They do so because they replace the root of the tooth as well as the crown. Once stabilised in the jaw through a process called osseointegration, the dental implant can withstand multi directional chewing forces of up to 220lb or 97kg. This is more than the chewing force of the average adult male.

Having dental implants holding the crowns securely in place also means that biting is easy again. Denture wearers are advised to cut up their food before they eat it because there’s a good chance they might leave their teeth in whatever they are biting into.

At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, dental implants are used to replace single teeth, several teeth in a row, or even all your teeth. Each implant can support up to 3 teeth on a bridge. When they are used to replace all the teeth, between 4 and 6 implants are strategically placed within the upper and lower jawbone to support a set of dentures.

If you are thinking about having dental implants in St John’s Wood to restore your missing teeth, you probably want to know something about the procedure of fitting the implants.

The beauty of dental implants in St John’s Wood with Aura Dental is that the actual implant procedure is fairly straightforward. It only takes about an hour for our implant surgeon, George Angelidakis, to make an incision through the gum and drill a hole wide enough to insert an implant. The dentist first drills a narrow hole with a small drill bit. As the drilling takes place, the area is bathed in a stream of water to keep the bone cool under the friction of the drill. Once the narrow hole is drilled, it then has to be widened a couple of times, with larger drill bits, to make a channel wide enough to accept the implant.

Once the implant is in place, George puts a temporary cap over it to protect the internal screw, and then replaces the gum.

This is implant surgery at its most simple. However sometimes there is more work to be done, as shall see below.

More complicated scenarios

Many people need to have failing teeth extracted before they can receive dental implants in St John’s Wood. The extraction and the implant insertion can usually be done at the same time.

However, things can get a bit more complicated if you also need to have some work done to make your jawbone stronger. This is often the case if you have been without some teeth for a while, or if you have been a smoker. When you have no teeth in your jawbone, the area of bone around where they used to be is no longer stimulated by teeth clinking together or by chewing. With no stimulation, the jawbone does not renew its cells. In fact, it actively resorbs itself and releases the calcium from the bone back into the bloodstream.

You need a good, strong jawbone to support the forces of chewing with implants, so if your jawbone has lost size and density, you may need to have a bone graft before you have implants fitted.

If you are trying to make a decision about whether or not to go for dental implants in St John’s Wood, it is important to weigh up the benefits and costs, and compare them with other ways of restoring lost teeth.

The benefits

In St John’s Wood, dental implants are becoming the go-to tooth replacement treatment because they have so many benefits. These are based upon the fact that dental implants replace the whole tooth, root and crown.

A single implant can support up to 3 teeth, giving them a stable chewing base that can withstand forces of up to 97kg or 200lbs, which is more than the chew of the average adult male.

The presence of an artificial root in the jawbone gives the bone cells the stimulation they need to renew themselves. The renewal of cells keeps the jawbone strong and healthy, avoiding the degeneration that leads to the shrunken pointy jaw and collapsed lower face associated with age and tooth loss.

Dental implants last a lifetime and are easy to care for, requiring no more than the careful brushing we give to natural teeth.

Once they’re in, they’re in. Dental implants generally don’t need replacing, or repeated visits for refits over the years. Implants stay where they’re put and never start wobbling around.

The costs

At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, dental implants start from £2,500 per implant. Unlike other tooth restoration methods, that implant will almost certainly never need to be replaced. If it supports 3 teeth, that’s actually £833 per tooth. Say you go on to live for another 20 years, each tooth has actually cost you about £41 a year. If you had a bridge instead, it would cost from £699.50. Working on the same principle that that bridge holds 3 teeth and you need it for 20 years, and it lasts for 10 years, each tooth will cost you £23.30 per tooth. But, say you live longer than another 20 years, say you live 30? Then, each implant-supported tooth will cost you £27.70. As for your teeth on a bridge, you’ll have needed your third bridge by now, so each tooth will still cost £23.30.

So you just lost a tooth in your 20s? Well, it happens to young people fairly often, especially if you are active. Contact sports, mountain biking, skating or snowboarding all offer ways to end up sitting on the ground spitting out teeth and blood. The question is, how are you going to replace that tooth? If you live in St John’s Wood, dental implants at Aura Dental are an avenue you should explore.

If the rest of your teeth are in great condition, then you have 3 options. You can either have false teeth on a bridge, a partial denture, or you can have dental implants.

Why choose dental implants?

Dental implants in St John’s Wood are a long-lasting restoration that also offers full functionality. This means that when you get dental implants fitted, you can expect them to last for decades, if not the rest of your life, if you take good care of them. As well as that, they give you back the full function of your tooth, meaning you can eat whatever you like with an implant. With dentures and some bridges, you have to be pretty careful about what you eat because it can get stuck to, or stuck under, your replacement teeth.

As for care, the implants stay in your mouth so you just brush and floss it carefully. There is no messing around with taking them out to clean them and soaking overnight in water. The only thing you have to watch out for is gum disease around the implant, which, if left untreated, could lead to the loss of the implant.

The other great thing about dental implants in St John’s Wood is they keep your jawbone strong and healthy. By replacing the root, they continue to perform the task of transmitting vibrations down the root into the jawbone. These vibrations are sent every time your teeth clash together. They signal to the surrounding jawbone that it is in use and this stimulates the renewal of bone cells. Without it, the jawbone actually starts to dissolve itself, and rapidly shrinks in height, width and depth. Not something you want happening in your 20s, or ever really.

The trouble with losing your teeth is that after a while you lose your face as well. Have you ever noticed how people who have lost their teeth seem to also have strangely thin, pointy jaws and a collapsed look to their cheeks? It’s not just that they no longer have the teeth to hold their cheeks in place, it is that their faces have actually changed shape, with the lower part, the jaw, becoming much smaller than before.

At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, dental implants are the solution to the problem of a shrinking jawbone brought on by losing your teeth. This is because dental implants replace the whole of the tooth and not just the crown. Having the root replaced is the key to maintaining the structure of your lower face. This is because the hundreds of tiny clashes that the teeth make during the day transmit vibrations into the roots and these vibrations send a message to the jawbone that it is still in use. Without the stimulus of these vibrations, the bone cells do not renew themselves. Even worse, the bone actively dissolves itself. This happens very quickly and you can lose as much as 25% in a very short period of time.

How does it work?

In St John’s Wood, dental implants are tooth root replacements that are inserted by your Aura Dental dentist into channels drilled into the jawbone. This minor surgery takes place under local anaesthetic, but you can also have sedation if you feel anxious about undergoing this surgery.

It takes a good few weeks for the titanium implant to heal into the jawbone, but as it does, titanium’s unique properties make your jaw bone grow around and into the implant as it would with the real, natural tooth. Once this process is complete, the implant is rooted into the jawbone as firmly as if it was a real tooth. Once the custom-made porcelain crown has been fitted, your implant will send the signals that your jawbone needs to keep renewing itself, and will continue to maintain the integrity of your facial structure for the rest of your life.

If you want to find out more about dental implants in St John’s Wood, why not call to arrange a consultation?

Are missing teeth creating problems?

Missing teeth can diminish your confidence, and can make you feel self-conscious in social situations, due to their effect on your appearance. They can also affect your speech and restrict the range of foods you can eat. Removeable dentures can be unsatisfactory, and people worry about them coming loose or about discomfort where they rub. If you would like to live your life without thinking about denture glue, how your smile looks and what food you can eat, then you could consider having dental implants. St John’s Wood is the home of Aura Dental and we are proud of our experience of fitting implants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLBUEKccyrA

What should I expect?

The first stage of having dental implants in St John’s Wood is a consultation during which we find out what you would like to achieve. We also check your underlying oral health and take detailed information including photographs, accurate measurements, scans and x-rays. The implants are small metal screws that are placed into the jaw during a minor operation. When they are secure, they form a base for single replacement teeth, a bridge or fixed denture. They do require the same high levels of care that natural teeth do but, if looked after properly, are a stable, lasting solution to missing teeth.

George Angelidakis

Dentist

George enjoys all aspects of dentistry with a special interest in Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry, Dental Implants, Cosmetic Clear Orthodontics and Facial Aesthetics, including Botox Anti-Wrinkle Injections and dermal fillers, to help his patients achieve a more youthful appearance and boost their self confidence.

He is a certified Invisalign, Inman Aligner and Cfast Clear Braces provider.

Using his combined knowledge and a comprehensive approach, he has gained an excellent reputation in “Designing Enhanced Smiles” for those inspired to change their look or cosmetic dental appearance.

Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, European Academy of Osseointegration and Faculty of General Dental Practice(UK).

Apart from Dentistry George enjoys traveling, watching movies and playing sports.

What are the advantages?

When you choose dental implants in St John’s Wood, you will benefit from having fully functioning teeth again. This not only improves how you look, it also means that your mouth works properly so you can eat a full range of food again. A further benefit is improved structure of the tissues of your jaw. This is because dental implants act in the same way as natural tooth roots. So, when you bite and chew, the pressure exerted stimulates the bone and blood vessels of the jaw. This strengthens them and prevents the reabsorption and degeneration that can happen when there are gaps or other tooth replacements, such as dentures, are used. Having dental implants in St John’s Wood is a lasting investment in your health and appearance.

We look forward to discussing how we can help you with dental implants in St John’s Wood.

In St John’s Wood, dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for patients who have lost one or more teeth and need effective restoration of their smiles and oral health. Dental implants are suitable for most adults who have good general oral health. They are however not suitable for children.

If you have dental implant treatment, it is important to realise that bad habits, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can increase the number of problems associated with the healing of your dental implants. Some dentists will decline to place dental implants if smoking cannot be reduced or given even up altogether.

When you come to see us at Aura Dental to discuss your dental implants in St John’s Wood, we will need to be aware of any ongoing dental problems you have. The cause of these problems will need to be thoroughly examined before any treatment can occur. If you have a history of gum disease or diabetes, then you may have a higher likelihood of encountering problems with your dental implants. Reduced jawbone density can also make your dental implants in St John’s Wood more complicated, but it is still possible with the help of additional treatments.

Bone graft or sinus lift

If your jawbone density is low, you may require an additional procedure that is available here at Aura Dental. This can come in the form of a bone graft or a sinus lift. This helps rebuild the jawbone so it is strong enough to hold your dental implants.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants hold your teeth in place to an extent only matched by natural teeth. The implant is a titanium screw that is directly placed into your jawbone. It fuses with your bone over a period of time – this process can take up to 6 months to complete. Then permanent new teeth will be attached to abutments on top of your implants. These can come in the form of a single crown, a bridge or even dentures.

The benefits

Once your dental implant treatment is complete you can enjoy a full range of foods again, smile with confidence and rest assured that your oral health is improved.

Do you break out in a sweat at the prospect of lying back in the dentist’s chair, gazing up at the ceiling and seeing those purple-gloved hands plunging over your mouth? Does the whine of even a benign polisher make you feel anxious? Never fear, you are not alone. Being scared of the dentist, dentophobia, is not only real, it’s a phobia that affects between 7–13% of the population.

If dentophobia has stopped you coming to the dentist for years, you may now be in danger of losing, or have already lost, some teeth, and want to have them replaced with dental implants in St John’s Wood.

There are different triggers for dentophobia. Maybe it’s the sight of a needle, the fear of being told off by an authority figure, or the dreaded sight and sound of the dentist’s drill. Maybe it’s the thought of experiencing pain, the idea of not being able to feel your face, or the worry of the anaesthetic not working properly. Or perhaps it’s just the  plain fear of finding yourself having to pay a large and unexpected bill.

Getting dental implants with us

Here in St John’s Wood, dental implants have been transforming lives, but having them fitted means you have to undergo oral surgery to place titanium posts with internal screws into the jawbone. It means the dentist’s chair and the drill. It also means being able to eat what you like for the rest of your life, once the artificial teeth have been permanently attached to these implants.

The idea of this may be too much for you, but the good news is that although in St John’s Wood, dental implants are normally fitted under local anaesthetic, at Aura Dental we have been specially trained to offer scared and anxious patients the right environment and care in which to be able to relax and enjoy a positive dental experience.

You can opt for sedation, either oral or intravenous, along with the local anaesthetic. You will then be able to fully relax during your treatment. If you go for intravenous sedation you may not even be able to remember most of it. Whichever you choose, we will take care of you and make sure that you too have a transformed life with dental implants.

Here at Aura Dental we care about tooth loss. Teeth are lost for several reasons and people who have lost one or multiple teeth may feel too self-conscious to smile or talk in public. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits, leading to further health problems.

Whatever the nature of the problem related to your tooth loss, dental implants in North West London can provide an effective remedy. We do not want finance to be a barrier to a healthier smile, so we offer a free consultation for your dental implants in North West London.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed directly into the jawbone. Your jawbone then fuses to the implant as new bone meshes around it. This process is similar to what happens when a broken bone heals. In that case, a plaster cast supports the limb to stop the two ends of the bone moving. The equivalent of this with dental implants in North West London, is the screw thread of the titanium post, which stabilises the implant in the jawbone.

It is generally safest not to put any load on your implant until it has fully integrated into your jawbone, which usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks. Once it has fully integrated, your replacement teeth can be attached to the post.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants in North West London have many advantages: they are stronger and more durable than alternatives such as removable bridges and dentures. They also offer a permanent, fixed solution to tooth loss.

Studies have shown a success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for those in the upper jaw.

How long do they usually last?

This depends on the quality and quantity of jawbone available at the time of dental implant placement, the healing response following treatment and your dental hygiene practices. Once fully integrated dental implants in North West London should last for years to come and potentially a lifetime, with the right care and attention.

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. It’s something they continue to notice as they talk to you. So if you have lost one or more teeth, and are finding that other people are realising that some of the teeth in your mouth are artificial, then maybe it’s time to find out more about dental implants in North West London.

Whether you need one, several or even all of your teeth replacing, Aura Dental has the experience, knowledge and skills to give you back the beautiful smile you deserve.

A complete reconstruction

In North West London dental implants are a permanent, stable way to replace missing teeth because they are fitted into the jawbone. Unlike other ways to replace a missing tooth, implants replace the missing root as well as the crown of the tooth. Having the root replaced helps stabilise your other teeth and also keeps your jawbone strong and healthy. This is because the teeth surrounding the gap left by a missing tooth tend to tip into it, and the jawbone below can start to shrink. This is what leads to that sunken look associated with age, but which is actually the product of a reduced jawbone and missing teeth. The more teeth you have lost the more pronounced this can become.

Dental implants prevent the loss of jawbone, thereby helping you avoid looking old before your time. They also create a stable base onto which custom-made artificial teeth can be fitted. Implants can be fitted for one tooth, or for a bridge with several teeth on it, or, even for a full set of teeth. In fact, there is one treatment known as All-On-4that fits a whole new set of teeth onto just 4 implants on the upper and lower jaw.

The process of having dental implants in North West London takes some time from start to finish. This is mostly because once the implants are in place, they need time to heal and integrate with your jawbone. This will take several weeks to a few months to complete. Only after that can the crowns of your new teeth be fitted.