Dental Implants at Dental Wellness Mill Hill: A Practical Guide

Losing a tooth affects more than appearance. Chewing on one side, food trapping in the gap and neighbouring teeth slowly drifting are all common complaints. A dental implant is one way to replace a missing tooth, and it is a treatment we provide at our practice on The Broadway in Mill Hill.

What an implant is

An implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, placed in the jawbone where the root of the tooth used to be. Over a few months the bone bonds to its surface, a process called osseointegration. A connector called an abutment is then attached, and a crown, bridge or denture is fixed on top.

What implants can be used for

• A single crown to replace one missing tooth without cutting down the teeth on either side.
• An implant bridge to replace several teeth in a row.
• An implant-retained denture that clips onto implants for extra stability.
• A full-arch fixed bridge, such as All-on-4, for people missing all or most teeth in a jaw.

Is it right for me?

Implants need healthy gums and enough bone to support them. Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, some medicines and a history of gum disease can increase the risk of problems, though they don't always rule implants out. Where bone has shrunk, grafting or a sinus lift may be possible. Bridges and dentures remain good alternatives for many people, and we will explain how they compare.

The stages of treatment

1. Consultation and scans: an examination, X-rays and usually a 3D CBCT scan to measure the bone and locate nerves and sinuses.
2. Treatment plan: a written plan setting out the stages, timescales, risks, alternatives and costs.
3. Placing the implant: usually under local anaesthetic, with sedation available to discuss if you are nervous.
4. Healing: typically a few months while the implant integrates. A temporary tooth can often be provided in the meantime.
5. Fitting the final teeth: a crown, bridge or denture made to match your smile.

Who carries out treatment?

Implant treatment at Dental Wellness Mill Hill is provided by dentists including Dr Jay Doshi, our principal dentist and implant surgeon, and Dr Stephen Franks. You will meet the clinician planning your care at your consultation.

Looking after implants

Implants can't decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed in a similar way to gum disease, a condition called peri-implantitis. Daily cleaning around the implant, regular hygiene visits and not smoking all help. Crowns and bridges on implants can also wear or chip over time and may eventually need replacing.

Next steps

We are at 46 The Broadway, Mill Hill NW7 3LH, a short walk from Mill Hill Broadway station, with patients travelling from Mill Hill East, Totteridge, Arkley and the Edgware Way area. Call 020 3930 4900, email smile@dentalwellnessmillhill.co.uk or book online.

You can find more on our dental implants page.