What are dental implants ?
Dental implants are the new standard in missing tooth replacement. Missing teeth are replaced without altering the healthy adjacent teeth.
A dental implant consists of a specially designed titanium rod which, once gently placed, bonds with healthy jaw bone to form a solid and permanent base to support one or more crowns or a denture.
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, mimicking both the root and crown of a tooth.
Why choose dental implants?
In addition to feeling and looking like your natural teeth, dental implants also act like natural teeth by stimulating jaw bone growth to prevent the bone loss which occurs over time when a missing tooth is not replaced. Opting for dental implants to replace missing teeth also means that, unlike other treatments, neighbouring healthy teeth are not compromised.
What are the options to replace a missing tooth ?
No treatment
- visible gap
- loss of chewing ability
- accelerated bone loss
Crown or Bridge
- healthy teeth need to be reduced
- bone loss continues
- greater risk of cavities and tooth failure
Dental implant
- full chewing ability
- preserves healthy adjacent teeth
- prevents bone loss
Did you know?
Dentures can also be secured to dental implants so that you can eat, speak and live confidently without the fear of slipping dentures...
Your leading local implant clinic in Leighton Buzzard
Old Bank House Dental Surgery offers high quality dental implants to both self-referred and dentist-referred patients.
We use the highest quality implant materials to give you the best result possible.
Following your initial consultation, we will discuss with you the most cost effective and appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances. We only ever recommend what we believe is the best treatment for you, nothing more
With specialised training in implant procedures in both Europe and the USA, Neil Du Preez (BChD) has performed hundreds of implants procedures over the last 20 years.
Neil has developed a reputation for clinical excellence in implant procedures and often treats patients referred from other dentists for more complex implant requirements, including bone grafting if required.
Testimonials
Neil has rescued a number of problem teeth for me as well as installing some implants. I am extremely pleased with the result and would recommend this practice to anyone. Neil and his team make going to the dentist as pleasant an experience as it could be.
Andrew Pennett (Google review)
I have had an implant competed by Neil, a procedure that was (surprisingly) pain free and 100% successful. The surgery is spotlessly clean, spacious, comfortable and welcoming. Both dentists are extremely friendly; they fully explain any issues and options and they genuinely care about their patients.
Glenn Leighton (Google review)
Frequently asked questions about dental implants
What does the implant treatment involve ?
An implant appointment can vary depending on how many implants are placed but is typically around 2 hours. There is then a healing phase of 4 to 6 months. We will typically ask you to come in a couple of weeks after the implant placement procedure so we can check that the healing process is progressing as expected.
There will then be further appointments to make and fit the crown on the implant.
Is having a dental implant painful ?
The implant procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic. The after effects are similar to having a tooth extracted so you may feel mild discomfort due to the normal healing process. However, this is easily managed by taking over the counter painkillers for 2 or 3 days after the implant procedure.
How long will my implant last ?
With proper care and maintenance, an implant, once placed and integrated with the bone, will last many years. The crown or denture placed on the implant may need to be adjusted or replaced after a period of time but is generally very long lasting.
Can everyone have a dental implant ?
The suitability of a dental implant is primarily influenced by how much existing bone is available in the jaw to secure the implant. As part of your initial assessment appointment we will take an X-ray to determine the best treatment option for you. We will also ask you for your medical history to assess any contraindications or risks of reduced treatment effectiveness.
In cases where there is insufficient jaw bone to properly secure your implant, we may be able to offer you bone grafting treatment in order to strengthen your natural jaw bone before placing an implant.
In any case you can be safe in the knowledge that we will only ever recommend an implant if, based on the medical information you provided and the condition of your jaw bone observed via x-rays, we feel that the chances of success are high.
We are committed to meeting the highest standards of care and professional dental practice. We comply with all the regulations and standards laid down by the dental profession regulatory bodies.
