Your questions about Dental Implants in Birmingham Answered

Dental Implants are a relativity new area of dentistry. There are several different types of dental implants. Whilst some people may only need a single tooth replacing, others may need a group of two or three substitute teeth, and still others may require a full set of new teeth. 

In this article we explore different types of dental implants, including what they are and when they are used, as well as some frequently asked questions. 

Denture Implants - implants for the whole mouth

What Are They?

Denture Implants are a fixed alternative to standard traditional dentures. They are made up of screws or titanium cylinders which are implanted directly into the gum, to which extensions are attached, followed by your custom-made new teeth.

Why Have Denture Implants?

•  a sensible solution for those that have lost their teeth
•  comparable to traditional removable dentures, but vastly superior
•  secure because they are fixed to the jawbone
•  designed to look and function in the same manner that natural teeth do
•  long-lasting
• reduces jawbone shrinkage in response to the loss of teeth
• comfortable and stable because they are secured inside your jawbone, meaning that you can chew and bite all manner of food types

The Procedure

Firstly your dentist will access whether your jaw is suitable for implants. 

Next they will take moulds of mouth to ensure that the new teeth will most closely reflect your own original teeth. 

Then the screws or titanium cylinders are attached to the jawbone.

For the next 2 – 6 months, the jaw is left to settle so that the bone can grow around the implants, bonding with them to create a stable foundation. A temporary denture will be provided by to be worn over the implants during this period.

When the bone has settled around the implants, the extensions are attached. At this point another couple of weeks of healing time will be required. There are a variety of different extensions with different connections for fitting the new teeth: some can be clipped to a bar, some will be snapped on or off a round ball anchor, others are simply fastened down.

Finally, the full-set of custom-made teeth is fixed to the implants, ready for use as you normally would. Initially, you may feel slightly strange when you use them, but their natural quality means that you will quickly get used to them.

All patients are different, but at Midlands Smile Centres, the approach we take to your teeth can be perfectly tailored to suit you.

Implant Supported Bridges

What Are They?

Bridges are false teeth that are used to replace one or more teeth in a row. 

Traditional bridges use the surrounding healthy teeth as supports for the false tooth and the false teeth are  permanently fixed to those teeth. 

Implant supported bridges, however, are supported by an implant. This is a titanium rod, which is embedded directly into the jaw bone, meaning that the false teeth are fixed into the jawbone. 

Why Have Implant Supported Bridges?

In order to place a traditional bridge, the neighbouring teeth must be filed down, so that a support - or "bridge" - can be created from one tooth to another, supporting the false tooth in between. This causes unnecessary damage to the neighbouring teeth. 

Implant supported bridges, on the other hand, are not supported by neighbouring teeth, but by an implant. This means that they do not cause damage to any of the neighbouring teeth in your mouth.

Having an implant supported bridge placed means that you can continue to use your teeth as normal. 

They are much-less damaging to healthy teeth than standard bridges.

They boast greater durability than ordinary bridges, being capable of lasting for the entirety of your life, whereas ordinary bridges may need to be replaced after 10 -15 years.

They are well-suited to those that clench or grind their teeth.

The Procedure

Initially, the dentist will access you in order to ascertain whether or not your mouth is suitable for Implant Supported Bridges. 

If it is deemed that your mouth is suitable for this treatment, a dental impression will subsequently be taken. This gives us the opportunity to pair the correct style and type of implants with your mouth.

Next, the implants will be inserted into the jawbone. After which, they will be left for a number of months to give them time to fuse to the jawbone.

Once this period is complete, the implants will be checked. If the implants have seated properly, your new teeth will be fitted.

Dental Implants in Birmingham

What Are They?

Dental Implants are a combination of a false tooth and a supporting titanium rod. The titanium supporting rod goes into your gum to take the place of the root of your tooth, while the false tooth is visible on top, blending in with your other teeth due to its natural appearance.

Why Have Dental Implants?

•  an effective and superior solution for missing teeth
•  restores the charm to your smile
•  all-round confidence-booster
•  improved speech due to gaps in teeth now being filled
•  renewed pleasure in eating

The Procedure

The first step of the process is for the dentist to access whether or not your gums are in the healthy state necessary for them to undergo the Dental Implant procedure. Once the dentist has confirmed that your gums are right for Dental Implants, the procedure can begin.

The dentist will take moulds of your teeth to make sure that the new teeth are perfectly designed to fit your mouth.  

Next they will use X-ray imaging to precisely locate where in your gum the implant should be placed.

The dentist will insert the implant straight into the gum using the No-Scalpel method and allowed it to settle. 

When the implant has settled fully into it's proper place in the bone, a natural looking crown will be attached to the implant, thus completing your dental implant. 

Now you will be able to eat and drink as normal. 

Get in touch with MSC today to find out how we can help you!

FAQs

“I Don't Want Bridges Again, What Can I Do?”

Implant Support Bridges are an ideal alternative to bridges. This is because Implant Supported Bridges cause less damage to your normal teeth, and they last longer, too. Once in place, Implant Supported Bridges can last for the rest of your life.

“I Need to Replace Missing Teeth But Need a Reliable Provider. What Do I Do?”

Midlands Smile Centres are here for you. MSC are staffed by an expert team of highly skilled, experienced dentists ready to provide you with Denture Implant, Implant Supported Bridges, Dental Implants or a number of other treatments.

  

“Is There Anything Better For Me Than Removable Dentures?”

Denture Implants! Denture Implants are attached to your jawbone and are therefore more secure and more comfortable than Removable Dentures.

They can also reduce the shrinking of your jawbone.

“Will These Types of Treatment Be Costly?”

Midlands Smile Centres boast treatment prices that are suitable for a whole range of budgets. To learn more, you can contact our specialist dental implant practices on the following numbers:

Kings Heath: 0121 444 1928

Selly Oak: 0121 414 1551

“I Need Dentures, But Don't Want to Change My Eating Habits. What Can I Do?”

Consider having Denture Implants instead. Then you won't need to worry about what you eat. This is because Denture Implants are more stable than ordinary dentures, which is due to the fact that they are fixed to your jawbone. Choose Denture Implants and enjoy the freedom of being able to bite into any type of food you choose.

  

Contact MSC now to find out what we can do for you.

The Road To A Beautiful Smile

With 2018 now upon us, it is a great time to give a thought to the overall standard of your teeth. Your dental health is very important, but it can be easy to not give your teeth the attention they deserve. Sometimes this is a result of being busy and having to deal with all of the other things that go on in life. So it's a good idea to use the beginning of the year as an opportunity to ensure that the health of your teeth is at a good standard, and to start getting into good habits when it comes to keeping your dental health at a good standard.

Ongoing/Persistent Dental Problems

2018 could be the perfect opportunity to finally get the treatment for your teeth that you have been avoiding for some time. Here at MSC, our team of highly qualified, highly skilled dentists are able to assist with a whole range of dental problems. Explore the range of services that we offer here at Midlands Smile Centres that can help give you a healthy smile. 

If your dental problem is crowded, crooked or irregular teeth we can help...

Midlands Smile Centres provide a range of orthodontic treatments that are designed to help alleviate the problem of crowded, crooked or irregular teeth. These treatment types include: Damon Braces which quickly manoeuvrer teeth by utilising gentle pressure, Lingual Braces which are not dissimilar to traditional braces and shift teeth using light force, Invisalign Braces which are transparent in their appearance and move teeth at a gradual pace, and Six months Smiles which are a tooth-coloured brace to correct teeth in an average time frame of between 4-9 months.

If your dental problem is a missing tooth, we can help...

MSC are capable of giving you an expert dental implant procedure that will replace your missing teeth. The different types of treatment for this dental problem include: Dental Implants, which consist of a false tooth and a titanium rod inserted directly into the gum; Denture Implants, which are available as either fixed or removable dentures that use dental implants fitted to the jawbone; Implant Supported Bridges, which are given the support they need by dental implants.

If your dental problem is a tooth that is damaged or severely damaged, we can help...

MSC can provide you with a crown. Crowns are artificial caps that are placed over the remaining part of a tooth, imbuing it with strength and returning to it a natural tooth shape.

Smile Dentistry

You might also be worried about the appearance of your teeth. After all, studies have shown that people make their initial judgement of someone almost in the blink of an eye. Having a bright smile really goes a long way towards making that first meeting count. If you'd like a bright smile to make a great impression, you may wish to begin looking into Smile Dentistry at MSC. Smile Dentistry encompasses the broad selection of cosmetic treatments that are available at our various Birmingham practices.

Discover MSC's cosmetic treatments below:

• White Fillings: A much more appealing alternative to grey amalgam fillings, white fillings are a simple yet effective cosmetic improvement to your teeth. MSC's white fillings maintains the function, but eliminate the potential of feeling awkward about smiling or laughing that having metal fillings can cause.

• Tooth Whitening: Another way to achieve whiter teeth, our Enlighten Tooth Whitening system is sure to create the look you want for your teeth. This form of treatment begins with the creation of specially made close fitting trays for your mouth. Next, these trays are filled with whitening gel that is given to you and these trays are then to be worn overnight for two weeks. Finally, a visit to the dentist for your last treatment will be required. Safe and highly effective, this is a superb option for better looking teeth.

• Veneers: Are you concerned about irregular teeth inside your mouth? Whether you have teeth that are damaged, decayed or discoloured, veneers can help to rectify the issue, leading to the kind of smile you're looking for. They are simply thin layers of material -usually porcelain- that are placed over the top of teeth. They are tooth-coloured and are a straightforward method for enhancing your teeth's appearance.

• Airflow: A pressurised jet of air,water and sodium bicarbonate, our airflow treatment is designed to offer you a thorough, efficient clean. This helps to remove the build-up of plaque and staining, leaving you with brighter, healthier looking teeth as a result.

• Gold Services: Here at Midlands Smiles Centres, we are able to provide a range of gold services that bring a bold visual touch to your smile. Our gold services include- Gold Implants, Gold Crowns/Custom Crown Design, Gold Inlays, Gold Veneers. All are intended to introduce a striking charm to your teeth.

Now's the Time

Whether it's work you know is needed on your teeth, or changes you know you want made to your teeth, we can help you. Midlands Smile Centres boast a superbly skilled team of dentists with extensive experience that are able to carry-out the types of treatment that you are seeking. Its 2018; it's time you got the smile you want.

20 Dental Tips: The DOs and DONT's

1) DO → Floss

Flossing is something that you should definitely do on a regular basis. The reason we recommend it so highly is that it removes the particles of food from your teeth that general brushing usually cannot. Extracting these pieces of whatever it is that you've consumed is so beneficial because it helps to remove plaque.

2) DO → Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is available in many different varieties these days. The general advantage that mouthwash offers is that it is able to get to the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush isn't capable of, helping your teeth to stay cleaner and to reduce the risk of plaque build-up. It is widely advised that you leave some time after brushing before you use your mouthwash each day, so that the fluoride in the toothpaste has a chance to work. Mouthwash will leave you with fresher breath, too.

3) DON'T → Use Teeth as Tools

Whilst it may sometimes seem easier and more convenient to hold things or open things with your teeth, it is not an idea that is recommended. By doing this you actually run the risk of causing damage to your teeth.

4) DO → Drink Water/Rinsing your Mouth with Water

We often hear that drinking water is a real boost to our overall health. However, it is very advantageous to your dental health, too. If you drink water promptly after finishing a meal and rinse your mouth with it as you do, you will dislodge any pieces of food left clinging to your teeth.

5) DON'T → Eat Too Many High-Sugar Foods

Certain types of food have a high-sugar content. We all know the kinds of thing that are heavy in sugar, and many of them taste delicious. Nonetheless, it is wise to eat these tasty things in moderation. Some sweet treats, like lollipops and caramel, are particularly detrimental to good dental health.

6) DO → Brush Regularly

Twice a day is the general advice given pertaining to daily teeth brushing, however, an extra session of brushing, or at least brushing following each of your meals, may be a better approach to take for better teeth all-round.

7) DON'T → Drink Too Many High-Sugar Drinks

There can be a large amount of sugar inside drinks, too. So it's always sensible to give some thought to what you're sipping on and how this will affect your teeth. The acidity of drink is also a problem for your teeth. So while a drink like cola is not great for your teeth, neither is red wine.

8) DO → Use an Electric Toothbrush

This is an excellent alternative to the standard manual toothbrush. The electric toothbrush is able to give a consistently thorough clean around each of your teeth, unlike a manual toothbrush, which gives an insufficient clean. The electric toothbrush, due to its small head, is able to reach difficult areas of your mouth, too.

9) DON'T → Use Low-Cost Providers for Procedures Like Dental Implants

A very specific yet very useful tip, low-cost providers for dental implant procedures are not recommended. It is crucial that you find a dentist with an extensive record of successful dental implant procedures. Midlands Smile Centres, for example, have over 25 years of experience in performing these procedures with successful results.

10) DO → Brush Your Tongue

There is no denying that brushing your tongue can make breath fresher and give you a cleaner, nicer overall feeling in your mouth after brushing. What may be less well-known, is that brushing your tongue actually decreases the number of bacteria inside your mouth. As a result of this, your teeth will be better off as well.

11) DON'T → Use the Same Toothbrush for Too Long

For electric toothbrushes, the head of the brush should be changed at regular intervals; the frequency of this change is usually once every three months. This is so that you are not using a head with worn-down bristles that are less successful at giving your teeth the kind of clean that they need. If you still have a manual toothbrush, then you should ensure that this is changed for a new one every three months as well.

12) DO → Use Sugar-free Gum

By chewing sugar-free gum you will increase the saliva inside your mouth, which helps to neutralise the acidity on your teeth. This means that sugar-free gum is useful after you have finished a meal. It can additionally help to free your teeth from any fragments of food that may still be clinging to them.

13) DON'T → Press Too Hard During Brushing

We all want to be thorough when we're brushing our teeth, but you should be cautious about applying too much pressure as you brush. Doing this can cause your teeth problems, such as gum damage.

14) DO → Increase Consumption of Foods Beneficial to Teeth

There are certain types of food that can actually enhance your dental health. Examples of these foods include cheese, strawberries and yoghurt. This may be worth bearing in mind in regards to your weekly diet and what you choose to buy when you go to the supermarket.

15) DO → Have Regular Dental Check-Ups

Vitally important, seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows your teeth to be checked for any issues that either require immediate attention and for your general dental health to be ascertained. There is also the possibility at dental check-ups, to ask any questions you might have, and for any issues with your teeth to be given expert attention before the problem worsens and becomes more severe.

16) DON'T → Rush your Brushing

Make time to brush your teeth properly. Life can be busy and it's easy to think you can just do a quick brush and rush off to the next thing. However, this often means that you miss parts of the mouth and teeth, leading to a build up of bacteria, plaque and acid in those areas. Rushing and not being careful can also lead to careless mistakes, such as slipping and damaging your teeth or gums.

17) DO → Have Necessary Treatments

This may sound obvious, but having the dental treatments you have been advised to have is crucial to keeping your teeth healthy. It is easy to delay having procedures done, or easy to forget about them. Whatever the obstacle, it's definitely not good to delay the treatment you have been told is important to your dental health.

18) DON'T → Ignore Dental Problems

For whatever reason - lack of time, nervousness - it is possible to ignore dental problems that you have become aware of. You may not think these problems are that severe, or you may be under the impression that you can cope, perhaps by relying on occasional painkillers. This is not helpful, however, because the issue you have noticed may be part of a larger, more serious dental difficulty. Failing to respond quickly to issues with your teeth can result in more extreme dental complications later on.

19) DO → Wait an Hour after Eating before Brushing

Giving yourself an hour between finishing your meal and giving your teeth a brush is something worth thinking about. Brushing your teeth too soon can damage your teeth's enamel.

20) DO → Choose your Brush Carefully

There is currently a wide selection of toothbrushes available in the shops. Take your time to browse through the options. You might find that certain types are more suitable for your teeth, and some types less so. Those who have chosen the more efficient option of purchasing an electric toothbrush will also discover a variety of head types, each with their own specific advantages to you.