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28 March 2017
Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants are the single best way to replace your missing teeth. If you need a single or multiple teeth replaced, would prefer more secure dentures, than there is no better choice. When you come to Seapoint Clinic, you benefit from decades of experience from a highly professional team, specialising in dental implants.
Just What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are man-made roots which are gently placed where your tooth once was. The new root will then act as an anchor for a new tooth/teeth or to support a denture. This means you will be able to get rid of your ill-fitting denture forever or close an irritating gap. In circulation for just over 40 years, today's implants are the closest thing to a real tooth that you can find. The benefit of having dental implants is that, unlike a bridge or denture, implants don't rely on neighbouring teeth for support, leaving them undamaged. As they are made from titanium, they are also resistant to tooth decay. Meaning that through proper care and maintenance, your new implants could last a lifetime.
Replacing a Single Tooth
Many people don't realise the damage that can be done by a single missing tooth. Your teeth are held in place by their roots in your jawbone. When you lose a tooth due to decay or an accident, the bone surrounding the area begins to shrink. This happens as the tooth is no longer present to support and stimulate the bone. This means the teeth on either side of the missing tooth can begin to movie into the space where the gap is. The amount of bone loss varies from patient to patient, but the longer the gap is left the more problems that can occur. Issues such a gum disease begins to appear as it is more difficult to clean the teeth due to movement. This may lead to tooth decay, gum disease and further tooth loss.
In very rare circumstances, the procedure may not be able to go ahead. However, we can check beforehand by performing a simple CT scan on-site to see whether the surgery can go ahead. From there, a dental implant is gently placed under local anaesthetic, with most patients only feeling a soft vibration. If you are somewhat nervous, we do offer an oral sedation, but more often than not, patients tell us that getting an implant is far easier than a filling or extraction. It is important to leave the implant buried under your gum in order for it to heal over 3-4 months before we begin making the tooth. A temporary denture can be worn to cover your gaps in your smile over the period. Once the gum and bone have healed around the implant, we make make and fit the permanent crown to completely restore your smile.
Replacing Multiple Teeth
Similar to replacing a single tooth, this procedure involves placing 4-6 implants per jaw and then bridging the implants together. This tends to be the best available option for people missing multiple teeth, as they are strong and incredibly life-like. Unlike dentures, your new teeth will simply sit on the implants, so you won't suffer from any denture sore spots. Full mouth implants are cleaned in the mouth just like your own natural teeth. This procedure is the most successful and longest lasting of all options available. This also reduces the risk of any facial changes from possible loss of bone. People have often cited how rewarding it is to escape wearing dentures, which can often feel uncomfortable and can make chewing difficult.
What's Involved?
The Seapoint Clinic was established to try and make any and every dental decision you may have as easy as possible. This means we pride ourselves on providing a stress-free environment and investing in the latest technology so we can provide implants for patients who have been refused by other dentists in the past. Using advanced CT scanners rarely available outside hospitals, we can see inside your mouth and provide a full 3D scan, exactly pinpointing where nerves and sinuses are. Often, smaller dentists don't have such technology meaning they may not be able to carry out an implant. Another benefit of visiting Seapoint Clinic is our clarity when it comes to fees charged. Our x-ray fee of €60 includes all the x-rays you require to help you through the entire implant process. Some clinics may charge €150+ for a CT alone.
Costs
We find most patients can be put off by the bewildering lists of prices our competitors provide. Instead, here at Seapoint Clinic we provide a clear and concise payment list which features no hidden or additional fees. We never attempt to deceive our clients, knowing full well that it is never easy building up the courage to sit in the dentists chair. We provide technology to make the experience better for you. We offer sedation for the placement of implants and for nervous patients in general, meaning you sleep through the procedure in comfort. Needless to say, safety is paramount and full oxygen is onsite at all times, with staff regularly trained in CPR to ensure you are safe at all times. Having our own in house dental lab also makes life much easier for you. If a tooth on a denture breaks, it can be fixed there and then while you wait. If you are having teeth out, the clinic can make sure you leave with at least a temporary tooth on the day. We are exceptionally aware how nervous some people can be, which is why our aim is to make it the best dental experience you ever had.
What's Next?
If you are contemplating on regaining that perfect smile, why not contact us today.We’re here to worry about your dental problems so you can get on living your life. A healthy, confident smile should be something everyone can enjoy, and we’re dedicated to finding the treatment to get you there. We take care of your needs like we’d take care of our family, no unnecessary procedures and no cut corners. If you're still unsure, check out our smile gallery!
"At Seapoint Clinic, there’s no pain at all. I nearly fall asleep when I’m being treated."
Bernie, Dublin