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Dental implants in Essex are a popular, long term, and effective form of restorative dentistry that strives to restore not only the aesthetic physical appearance but also the functional aspect of a patients’ smile. Dental implants in Essex could be considered as the best possible form of tooth replacement within the field of dentistry and essentially consists of three aspects.

How does implant dentistry produce effective results?

Dental implants are made from a sturdy titanium material, they are typically less than one centimetre long and act as a sturdy root base to support both the abutment (also commonly referred to as a ‘connector’) and the custom made porcelain crown.

What are the benefits?

Dental implants not only allow patients to chew, drink, and brush their teeth normally (and therefore with minimal pain or discomfort) however they also look extremely discrete within the mouth. At our dental clinic within Essex we treat every dental case as completely unique, perfectly matching the surrounding teeth to the porcelain crown in regards to their shape and shade to ensure our patients achieve a natural-looking smile.

What to expect from the treatment process..

Many of our patients may be familiar with the term ‘dental implants’ however they may still be unsure of what to expect from the treatment process. Much like any dental treatment administered at our Crofts dental practice, the dental implants start with an initial consultation, during this appointment our dentists will answer any queries or concerns our patients’ may hold.

What happens next?

After our team of dental healthcare professionals have tended to any concerns you may have we may also run you through the treatment process to expect in addition to planning your custom-made porcelain crown! Lastly, our staff may discuss how many appointments you require, costings, and aftercare (to name just a few examples).

Embracing the latest advancements within dental technology

At our surgery within Essex our team are always staying up to date with the most recent technological advancements available on the dental market, our dental implants are therefore no expectation. With this in mind, we use cone beam CT scans (which are also commonly referred to as cone beam computed tomography or CBCT) to digitally position the implants to ensure optimal placing (and therefore results) are achieved.

Are dental implants right for you?

Dental implants have a countless number of benefits, some of which include improving bone density, regaining function of your smile, and preventing surrounding teeth from moving. The combination of the many benefits of this form of restorative dentistry with our modern and collaborative dental approach ensures our patients receive a long term and effective solution to missing teeth whilst achieving an aesthetically pleasing smile they feel confident in.

Do our dental services work for you?

If you are impressed with the dental treatments on offer at our clinic you may wish to take a look at our website. Located on our easily accessible website we not only display our clinic address, contact number, and our email address however we also provide an online ‘ask the expert’ option to ensure even our busiest patients can receive the dental attention they require.

Dental implants are a long-lasting and cost-effective way of replacing missing teeth. Using a titanium screw, experts drill into the jawbone for a stable support and then attach custom-made prosthetic teeth for a natural-looking finish. If you are curious about dental implants in Essex but don’t know where to begin, we have the answers for you. Dental implants in Essex are a popular treatment amongst our patients, because they are reliable, realistic and easy to look after. Whether you have a single missing tooth or a cluster, dental implants in Essex could be a practical solution for you, which is why our dentists here, at Crofts Dental Practice, would be happy to discuss your first steps.

Improved comfort

Dentures are sometimes described as uncomfortable because they can move or even fall out when you eat. This method of tooth replacement uses false teeth that slot over existing teeth which can, on some occasions, be inconvenient and impractical. Dental implants are inserted into the bone of the jaw and are usually just as secure as real teeth. For this reason alone, many patients have described them to be very comfortable, pain-free and ideal for eating.

They will improve your oral health

Contrary to popular belief, implants don’t require shaving down or removing your own, remaining teeth. Instead, your teeth are left intact, which can improve your long-term oral health. Similarly, the installation of individual teeth means there is an easier access between teeth, which can also contribute towards sound oral health.

They look and behave like natural teeth

Dental implants are arguably one of the most natural- looking solutions in dentistry today. Prosthetic teeth are made to reflect your remaining teeth and sit in line with the gums making it almost impossible to identify implants from real teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are firmly anchored in the jawbone using a process of osseointegration and are therefore similar to the root of a natural tooth. They may be man-made, but they are uniquely created to mirror your own teeth.

They can prevent bone loss

Losing a tooth/teeth can greatly affect your appearance, but it can also have a lasting impact on your bone mass. Losing a tooth means losing the root, and it’s the root which promotes stimulation to the bone, therefore implantation is a process that helps strengthen the jaw and prevent future bone loss. The jawbone processes the addition of an implant in the same way it would a tooth, helping it to grow and strengthen in the same, natural way.

They are easy to care for

Just like real teeth, dental implants require the simplest level of care which includes, brushing and flossing twice a day and regular check-ups with a hygienist. Prosthetic teeth are man-made but still need to be cleaned and managed just as strictly as your natural teeth. Prosthetic teeth are not made from natural materials, but they can still attract tartar and plaque build-ups, as well as gum disease!

To find out more about our dental implants or to arrange your first consultation, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cracks, chips or gaps in your teeth can ruin an otherwise perfect smile and for many people having a damaged or missing tooth can make them feel incredibly self-conscious. That’s where treatments like implantation come in, with this simple procedure your dentist will be able to restore your smile to its former glory.

So with that in mind, here’s how an appointment for dental implants in Essex can help you save your smile.

What are the implants used for?

Generally we would recommend dental implants in Essex for our patients as a way to replace any badly chipped, cracked or damaged teeth that can’t be repaired through other means such as crowns or white fillings. We also often use them to fill gaps in your teeth and in extreme cases of overcrowding we can use them to create a neater and straighter appearance.

How does the dentist fit them?

The fitting process for the implant itself is surprisingly straightforward. We basically use a prosthetic tooth that will either be created out of a porcelain or acrylic resin material, depending on what your dentist thinks would suit you. This material is also shaded and shaped to match its surrounding neighbours to ensure that the replacement we provide not only fits into its new home, but also blends in to provide you with a natural looking solution to your problem.

The teeth are held in place with a sterilised titanium screw that is inserted underneath your gum line and into your jawbone. Then over time the bone should heal back over this screw to provide a stable and sturdy platform for the crown.

Does the treatment involve any pain?

When it comes to dental treatments patients, more often than not, will ask about any pain involved as the mouth is a pretty sensitive area to work in. There may be some mild discomfort involved as it does involve some minor surgery, but your dentist will limit this as much as they can with a local anaesthetic.

At Crofts Dental Practice our team will try to limit the amount of discomfort you feel during your treatment as much as they can, to ensure your implantation goes smoothly and successfully.

If you’re still concerned about any potential pain, you can also discuss the use of a general anaesthetic with your dentist, if it’s appropriate to your particular case.

Tips for keeping the new tooth clean

After you have your implant fitted all that’s left is to keep it clean and clear of any bacteria that might cause it to become infected. You can manage this easily by just lightly brushing around your implant at least once a day as part of your normal oral health routine. If you use floss, try to limit how much you pull around the tooth and gum, as you may damage or dislodge it. Also we recommend you avoid using mouthwash as the chemicals can irritate your gums.

So as you can see the implant process is simple, implants are easy to look after and they can help restore your smile whilst giving you that confidence boost you deserve. To start your journey to a healthier smile just get in touch with our team at the practice.

Teeth can be lost in several different ways. As they are quite brittle, teeth can often be knocked-out or broken, which can usually occur during a fall, or in a sporting injury. Teeth are also an organic component, which means that they are subject to disease and decay, which may be another reason why your teeth are missing. At Crofts Dental Practice, we understand entirely the trauma and discomfort over losing your teeth, and want to approach the situation quickly and professionally, while keeping your well-being in mind.

If your teeth have been missing for a while, then it is important to address them as soon as possible. We will fix both teeth that have been lost that day, to teeth that have been missing for years, using the same approach. However, teeth that have been missing for a while can pose a risk to your oral health, as your jaw and bite can be misaligned. This can mean that your other teeth, that are otherwise healthy, can become eroded and therefore damaged,due to your missing tooth, which can result in sensitive teeth, and a greater risk of cavities.

Replacing teeth that are missing

There are many ways to replace a tooth that has been missing, as it all depends on the location of the tooth, the extent to which it is missing, and how many other teeth are missing alongside it. For example, if you have suffered from periodontal disease, and all your teeth are missing, then dentures may be appropriate for you. If a row of teeth are missing, then a bridge may be suitable. For a single tooth, a crown or a dental implant may be the best option.

Dental implants in Essex

A dental implant is an extremely advanced procedure, and considered one of the most effective ways to replace a tooth that is missing. A dental implant is essentially a titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone, effectively to replicate the root of the tooth. This treatment can be done if the entire tooth is missing, and therefore needs a full replacement. If you are looking for dental implants in Essex, then Crofts Dental Practice will be able to provide you with this treatment.

Things to consider with this treatment

If you are considering dental implants in Essex, then it is crucial that you consider all the pros and cons of the treatment, before going ahead with it. Implants are a permanent fixture, as they are fused with the jawbone, so they cannot be removed. This is a positive, as it makes them extremely strong, however may not be desirable for some people.

As implants require an extremely advanced procedure, and take a long time, they can be expensive. This can be a deterrent for some people, however due to how permanent they are, they are often considered an investment, as they will rarely need a replacement, making them surprisingly cost effective. If you are interested in dental implants in Essex, then come and speak to us, and we will be able to guide you through the process.

If you have lost one or several of your teeth then you will possibly feel self conscious about your smile. But negative emotional impacts are only a small factor in the wide range of complications that you may experience due to your incomplete smile.

Aesthetically, missing teeth can lead other people to wrongly surmise that you are less intelligent, less successful and less trustworthy than those who are rocking a beautiful, pearly white smile. It can also lead to premature aging as your cheeks can appear sunken where teeth are not there to fill out the face.

Physically, poor oral health leads to poor nutrition. Missing teeth can be painful where the sensitive gum tissue can be damaged and cut at the site of missing teeth. You may have noticed that you have ended up eating foods that you are able to eat rather than what you should or want to be eating.

Your surrounding teeth can also move to accomodate for your missing tooth, causing issues throughout the entire mouth. Teeth are more exposed to harmful bacteria when not neatly lined up against one another and are at more risk of decay or damage.

It therefore comes as no surprise that is is important that you seek to replace teeth that have been knocked out or have needed to come out due to illness, disease, age or injury. We are here to advise you in a considerate and non-judgemental way on the best methods that are available to you.

What is a solution?

Perhaps the most popular option today, due the longevity, reliability and functionality of the end result is dental implants in Essex. This is where a small metal screw is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses over time with the bone and surrounding soft tissues to become a permanent fixture in the mouth, not unlike a natural tooth root.

When it comes to replacing teeth, as with any procedure, surgical or not, the advantages and disadvantages need to be weighed up so that you can have a full understanding of what you are committing to.

We need to take several scans in order to ensure that you are suitable for the treatment. There are many different options within the realm of dental implants in Essex which means that a lot of our patients can benefit from them. You perhaps may need some prior treatment to take place before we are able to insert the implant into your jaw.

If you have some kind of underlying dental or health condition then you may need to get this under control before you have dental implants in Essex for your smile transformation. Such conditions like gum disease or tooth decay may create complications so we believe it is better for you to wait until these issues are under control.

This is a permanent solution and you may find that like many of our patients, you hardly notice that you have a tooth implant over time. The crowns look and feel just like regular teeth and perform in just the same way as your original tooth did. With appropriate care of the site to avoid infection and rejection of the metal screw, then there is no reason why this treatment will not last you for your lifetime.

Dental implants aren’t like any other kind of replacement tooth. They give you back your whole tooth, including the root.

It may seem that the important part of the tooth is the bit you chew with, but if a crown does not have a good firm anchor, it can be frustratingly hard to process your food.

Many of the benefits of dental implants spring from the fact that implants replace the root of the tooth, thus giving a firm base on which to build.

Dentures rely on adherence to the gum, or fitting neatly behind other teeth. They may fit perfectly at first, but jawbones shrink and many people find that after a while, their dentures start to slide around in their mouths, wobble, and even sometimes fall out entirely.

This will never happen with dental implants. The implants are small posts or screws made of titanium that are inserted into your jawbone under local anaesthetic. Titanium is incredibly biocompatible and your jawbone will grow new tissue all over the implant. After 2-6 months, your jawbone will be wrapped closely around the implant.

This gives you back full chewing power. You will be able to eat whatever you like again, unlike with dentures, which often mean having to stay on a soft food diet for the rest of your life.

Dental implants are also very versatile. One can support up to 3 crowns on a bridge, and we can replace an entire arch of teeth on just 4-6 implants.

As well as all this, maintaining your dental implants is very similar to your normal oral health routine. You just need to thoroughly brush twice a day and also floss. The aim is to get rid of plaque and avoid gum disease. Apart from that, you also need regular implant check-ups and cleanings with the hygienist.

Dental implants have a 98% success rate and we have many happy patients with dental implants here at Crofts Dental Practice in Essex. Patients can expect their implants to last for at least 15 years and even for decades.

Why not book a consultation to find out more?

In the past, people used to dread losing their teeth because they knew that the replacements would never be as good as the real thing. Dentures may start off fitting well, but everyone knows that over time they will become loose and start to slide back and forth over the gums. Fixed bridgework offers more stability but at the expense of losing 2 perfectly good teeth to become buttresses for the bridge.

Thankfully, all that has changed now and for most people, dental implants from us at Crofts Dental Practice in Essex have become their first choice for replacing teeth.

Anyone who had already had dental implants fitted will be able to tell you that the longish treatment journey is worth it. Once their dental implants are in, and have fused with their jawbone and the handmade porcelain crowns have been screwed into place, no one will ever know that these replacement teeth are not their own. They are never going to start wobbling around, and they don’t need to compromise any adjacent teeth to get fitted.

Dental implants are the only way to replace the whole tooth, root as well as crown, and teeth need their roots if they are going to function properly.

The treatment journey takes a bit of time because we have to allow 2-6 months for the titanium posts to fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. During this time, you have to be pretty careful about what you eat. You will start off, for a week or so, on a liquid diet, and then move onto a soft food diet. You need to wait until your implants have fully integrated with your jawbone and your new crowns are on before you go for it with the super crunchy, chewy foods such as roast potatoes and rump steaks.

As for maintenance, it is so much less hassle than dentures. You are aiming to keep gum disease at bay. All you need to do is brush your teeth carefully for 2 minutes twice a day, plus floss daily. Back this routine up with regular deep cleans with the hygienist and you are set.

If you need to replace your teeth then you probably want teeth that act like natural teeth. Natural teeth have roots that are held in place by a strong network of fibres in a socket in the jawbone. This gives them such stability that they withstand chewing forces of up to 97kg or 200lbs. If you have ever bitten your tongue or your cheek, you will have a good idea of how much force goes into a chew.

All about stability

Dentistry has come a long way in the past few decades, and dental implants in Essex are the replacement teeth that best mimic those that Nature gave us. They are the only method of replacing teeth that replaces the root of the tooth and not just the crown. Dentures have crowns but rely on suction to the gums for their stability (which only gives about 25% of the chewing power we need for the really good chewy nutritious foods like fresh veggies). Fixed bridgework gives a better chew, but to get it you have to sacrifice the 2 healthy teeth on either side of your gap, which have to be ground down to be used as buttress crowns to support the bridge, and can never be teeth in their own right again.

All about longevity

At Crofts Dental Practice, we love the fact that once we have fitted a patient with dental implants, we can be confident that they will not have to have the replacement teeth replaced. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone, and, as long as you take good care of them, you can expect them to last for at least 15 years. Lots of people have them for decades in fact, although the porcelain crowns may need to be replaced. Compare this with dentures and bridgework which have to be replaced every few years. It’s worth bearing this in mind when you are doing cost comparisons.

All about maintenance

As long as you brush and floss your implants twice a day to remove plaque and have regular hygienist sessions too, there’s no reason not to hang onto your implants for as long as possible.

…how are you thinking about doing it? These days, there are up to 3 options to hand and you may wonder whether the latest is the one to go for, or whether you should stick with the tried and trusted.

In the end though, it is all technology. You have to ask yourself whether what the replacement teeth do – bite, chew, talk, smile – is important enough in your life to get the latest technology, which is dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the latest generation of tooth replacement, but they are not all that new anymore. In fact, dental implants have been around for more than 30 years.

They are small, tapered posts or screws that are put into channels carefully made in the jawbone to replace tooth roots. Once in place, the titanium implants trigger the bone to create new tissue all over them and the two fuse together. It’s not quite a tooth in a socket but it’s the nearest dental research has come to it, and this way of replacing lost teeth gives people back the full functionality of their teeth, and protects the health of their jawbone.

What is full functionality?

This means that the teeth work just as well as your natural teeth did. Once they have integrated with the bone, dental implants can withstand the chewing pressures of an adult male. This means that you can eat whatever you like again instead of having to live on a soft food diet.

What’s so important about the jawbone?

The jawbone needs to feel the impact of teeth meeting each other to know that it is still in use and so renew its bone cells. Without the tremor of impact coming down through the roots, the bone starts to resorb, shrinking in size and density pretty quickly to eventually give you that pointy-chinned, tiny jaw that we associate with the elderly.

With dental implants, your jaw remains strong and able to support the structure of your face.

Come into Crofts Dental Practice and find out how dental implants in Essex can help you replace lost teeth.

Getting an extensive treatment like dental implants in Essex can be a big step for some people. You may feel a bit excited about the prospect of getting new teeth but also a little nervous about the procedure. At Crofts Dental Practice, we like to break things down for our patients in a way that makes the information flow manageable, non-technical and accessible to everyone. We can tailor the way we offer you the facts so that you feel comfortable going ahead and making decisions about your treatment.

We share some of these facts with patients when they come to see us for dental implants because they highlight the benefits and offer some technical information to support your understanding of the treatment:

• Dental implants are usually made from titanium – a complete dental implant consist of a prosthetic tooth, an abutment and a shaped metal post that sits in the jawbone. The latter is typically made from titanium because this metal has been shown to have unusual properties that allow it to integrate with the bone. This quality was discovered in 1941 by scientists called Bothe, Beaton and Davenport and later exploited to develop dental implants;
• Dental implants can support more than one tooth – depending on the location of your missing teeth, you may only need a single implant to support multiple replacements. Teeth can be mounted on a bridge or denture which is then affixed to the implant. Some people have an entire set of teeth supported on just a few implants;
• Dental implants do not stain or decay in the same way as natural teeth – this is great for the appearance of your smile but it does not mean you can be lax about dental hygiene! Dental implants rely on the surrounding gums and jawbone. If they are damaged or infected in any way, it can compromise the integrity of your dental implants;
• Dental implants are quick to fit – the actual process of fitting implants is quicker than many people think. You can be in and out of our clinic in just a few hours. We talk to you about how long the healing process takes during your initial consultations with us.