Dental implants: a guide
By using dental implants, a dentist has a permanent way to replace your missing teeth. At Sheen Dental in Richmond, our implant team, led by Dr Harmit Kalsi, is capable of treating anything from a simple single implant and crown restoration to a complex full-mouth procedure, involving additional work to rebuild your jaw bone to maximise your implants’ chances of success.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium screws that replace the root portions of one or more missing teeth. Titanium is very compatible with the human body, and is osteoconductive, meaning it supports bone growth. Your dentist can then attach either a crown, bridge, or denture to abutments on top of your implants, restoring not just aesthetic beauty to your smile, but also the full functionality of a healthy jaw of teeth.
How are implants placed?
Your implant journey begins with a consultation at our Richmond clinic. Your dentist will perform a thorough clinical examination, including taking scans, x-rays and impressions as necessary to aid with diagnosis and treatment planning. The latest computer software is used to precisely plan each implant’s placement, and implant surgery itself can be placed under either local anaesthetic or conscious sedation, depending on your preference.
Can I have new teeth straight away?
In some cases, particularly in patients who have no natural teeth left, functional temporary teeth can be fitted in a procedure known as Same Day Teeth. In other situations it is best to leave the dental implants to heal for between two and six months. Your dentist will advise you which treatment option is best for you when you come to our Richmond clinic for your consultation.
My dentist says I don’t have adequate bone levels for dental implants. Can you help?
Sometimes, additional procedures are needed to rebuild the density of your jaw bone prior to implant placement. At our Richmond dental practice we offer bone grafts, sinus lifts, and bone expansion procedures.
Do dental implants hurt?
No. We will place your implants under either local anaesthetic or sedation, so you will feel no pain. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually enough to manage any post-operative discomfort.