Understanding your options
Implant planning begins with your oral and general health, the available bone and the condition of neighbouring teeth and gums. Imaging may be needed to understand the area and determine whether treatment is suitable, available at Broad Street Dental Care.
Benefits and points to consider
A dental implant can replace a missing tooth without using adjacent teeth as conventional bridge supports. Implants may also support several replacement teeth or improve the stability of a suitable denture. Tooth loss may follow decay, gum disease, trauma or a tooth that cannot be restored; addressing the cause helps protect the remaining mouth. Implant treatment involves surgery and a period of healing, and it is not risk-free. Bone volume, gum condition, smoking, medical history, cleaning ability and bite all influence planning and long-term maintenance.
Your assessment in Ely
An implant can replace one tooth, help restore several missing teeth or support a denture. Alternatives include bridges, conventional dentures or leaving a gap, depending on function, appearance and oral health.
What treatment involves
Treatment takes place in stages. The implant is placed, allowed time to integrate where appropriate, and then restored. We explain the proposed sequence, possible risks, maintenance and alternatives before consent.
Care and next steps
Implants are not maintenance-free. Daily cleaning around the restoration and gum line is important, together with recommended reviews and hygiene care. Smoking and uncontrolled gum disease can affect implant health and should be discussed.
Potential benefits
- Can support one crown, a bridge or a denture
- Avoids preparing adjacent teeth in some cases
- Provides a fixed option for selected gaps
- May improve stability of an implant-supported denture
What the treatment involves
- 1Complete a clinical assessment with the appropriate imaging to examine bone volume, gum health and the condition of the neighbouring teeth before any treatment is planned.
- 2Discuss the alternatives, possible risks and expected sequence, including how many appointments are likely, what healing involves and the maintenance the implant will need afterwards.
- 3Place the implant into the jaw under local anaesthetic where the assessment supports it, following the agreed surgical plan and the instructions given for the healing period.
- 4Allow the implant to integrate with the bone over the advised time and review the site at appointments to confirm it is stable before the restoration stage.
- 5Fit the crown, bridge or denture onto the implant, check the bite and contact points, and establish the cleaning routine and review schedule for the finished restoration.
Comparing the options
| Option | Main feature | Important factor |
|---|---|---|
| Implant | Supported in the jaw | Surgery and maintenance |
| Bridge | Fixed to nearby teeth | Condition of supporting teeth |
| Denture | Removable | Fit and daily cleaning |
Making an informed decision
Dental treatment should be based on an examination, a clear diagnosis and a conversation about what matters to you. At Broad Street Dental Care, we explain reasonable options, including the choice not to proceed, so you can weigh likely benefits, limitations, costs and maintenance. No webpage can determine whether a treatment is suitable for an individual mouth.
Dr Junaid Abbas Choudhry is the principal dentist at the practice and is registered with the General Dental Council under number 302053. You can also review the practice's independent regulatory information on its Care Quality Commission profile.