The leading permanent solution to replace missing teeth in Essex.
Having loose or missing teeth can really dent your confidence, and at whatever age or for whatever reason, it can be a very traumatic experience. At Lister House Dental Centre in Harlow, Essex, we provide dental implants as a permanent, long-term solution to help you replace missing teeth,
A dental implant is a small titanium post, which replaces the root part of a missing tooth. During treatment, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, usually under local anaesthetic. Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone tissue, it provides a secure, stable foundation onto which a crown, bridge or denture can be attached, providing a long-term, aesthetic solution.
Dental implants at Lister House Dental Centre are placed and restored at our practice by Neel Shukla, who has many years’ experience in placing simple and complex implants.
What are dental implants?
An implant is an artificial replacement for a natural tooth root when the tooth and its root are missing. The implant itself is a small but strong post made of biocompatible material, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. This is then finished off with a restoration, for example a crown or a denture, to replace the visible tooth.
Can everyone have implants?
Usually, but it depends on the condition of your jawbone. We will assess the quality and quantity of your bone using digital x-rays and images. If the bone is unsuitable, it may be possible to graft bone into the area to enable treatment.
Does it hurt to get implants?
Placing an implant is usually a simple procedure for skilled dentists. A local anaesthetic will numb the area so you should not feel any pain. Post-surgery you may have some residual pain and a little discomfort and swelling, but this can be treated at home with over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol.
Are implants safe?
Dental implants are a very well-established treatment, supported by over 30 years of clinical evidence. You may have heard of peri-implantitis, which is an infection in the gum surrounding the implant site, but this can be avoided by a good dental hygiene regimen and follow-ups with a hygienist experienced in treating implant patients.
How long do implants last?
As mentioned above, the life of the implant will be largely determined by the quality of at-home care and follow-up at regular clinical reviews. Well-maintained implants can be expected to last many years and often a whole lifetime.
Am I too young/old for implant treatment?
Implants are generally not placed for children until their late teens, when their jaw will have finished developing. There is, however, no upper age limit for dental implants and they are successfully used by many older patients as an anchor for dentures.
Single tooth
dental implants
If you have lost just one single tooth due to an accident or naturally, a dental implant can provide a permanent long-term solution in most cases. Treatment generally doesn’t require cutting of nearby teeth – such as would be the case with a traditional bridge.
Multiple teeth
dental implants
Dental implants can also be used to support multiple teeth. This usually involves the placement of two implants, which are used to support a fixed bridge.
Full arch
dental implants
As an alternative to a denture, it is possible to replace all upper or lower teeth using just a few dental implants. The number of implants required is dependent on the clinical assessment of each individual case.
Dental implants
and dentures
As an alternative to a denture, it is possible to replace all upper or lower teeth using just a few dental implants. The number of implants required is dependent on the clinical assessment of each individual case.
”"I'm so glad I chose to replace my missing tooth with an implant, the procedure was so quick and it didn't hurt at all. The team were very professional and sometimes I forget I even have an implant!"
