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When you lose a tooth, the sudden change in your mouth can alter your lifestyle. Missing teeth can make eating the foods we love difficult and can sever discomfort to chew. In many cases, people respond by altering their diet, but by doing so it can have a negative affect on your dietary and nutritional needs. Each tooth in your mouth provides additional support for the teeth around it, which means when one is missing, the surrounding teeth have nothing to lean on. Once this happens, teeth can begin to shift and tilt inwards, often resulting in tooth decay and further loss.

When your jawbone feels the absence of a tooth, it responds by deteriorating over time. This is because the pressure your jaw receives from tooth roots stimulates bone cells, without the pressure the gap left will continue to deteriorate unless it is replaced. In some instances, the loss of jawbone can lead to gum recession, jaw shrinkage and facial collapse.

But just what are your options for replacing a single or multiple teeth?

Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

There are several options available to you if you happen to have several missing teeth, including dentures, bridge or implants. We generally recommend dental implants, as they are by far the best solution in general to replacing missing teeth. They cause no damage to your own natural teeth and with proper care, can last a lifetime.

If you are missing teeth in separate spaces, you would typically have an individual implant placed in the area. However, if you have a number of teeth missing which are side by side, it may be possible to place fewer implants and do a bridge across the gap only on implants. This is not the same as a regular bridge as this technique avoids cutting down teeth. The more implants placed, the more secure the bridge will be. For example, if you have a heavy bite and want the longest lasting restoration possible and are missing 3 teeth, we recommend 3 implants joined together to ensure the best possible result.

However, if you have a very light bite, it would be possible to place 2 implants and have 3 teeth on them. Where a full arch of teeth are missing, it is common to place 6 implants and have all top or booth teeth on them. It is worth noting though that like any other dental treatment, we strongly recommend a consultation with your dentist to determine your individual requirements.

Replacing A Single Tooth

There are various options available to you when replacing a missing tooth - from dental implants, dentures or bridge. A dental implant can be designed to be as close to your old natural tooth as possible. However, if you have suffered from severe bum or bum loss, some degree of bone grafting may be required before an implant can be placed.

Occasionally, there are cases in which a dental implant cannot be placed. We check beforehand by using a CT scan, carried out out on-site, to see if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic, meaning you won't feel a thing apart from a gentle vibration. If you are nervous, we can offer an oral sedation, but we find most patients feel that getting an implant placed is easier than getting a filling or an extraction.

It's vital to leave the implant buried under your gum to heal for 3-4 months before we make the tooth. In the meantime, a temporary denture can be worn to cover the gaps in your smile. Once the gum and bone have fully healed around the implant, we make and fit a permanent crown and your smile is complete once again! You will now be able to chew the foods you love without any sense of discomfort.

Other possible solutions would be to opt for a bridge. A bridge involves placing a crown on the teeth either side of the gap. These can a good way to replace a missing tooth particularly if the teeth either side of the gap already need to be crowned.When a tooth is crowned it is necessary to shave away some tooth and in rare cases this can cause sensitivity or even require root canal treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Implants Safe?

Implants are a tried-and-tested treatment, meaning 96% of modern dental implants last for more than 15 years. If they are maintained correctly, they have the potential to last a lifetime.

Can I Have New Teeth Straight Away?

We like to allow implants to fuse to the bone for between 3-6 months, providing you with a denture to wear during this time which can be adjusted if necessary. However, it is possible to provide fixed teeth on implants withing a day thanks to our Teeth in a Day treatment. Unfortunately, not every patient is a suitable candidate which is why it's paramount you consult your dentist.

Will There Be Any Discomfort?

The placing of implants is a comfortable procedure carried out under local anesthetic. We recommend some sedation in order to make the procedure easier for you, meaning you won't feel any discomfort throughout.

Will My New Teeth Be Difficult To Clean?

Cleaning around the teeth attached to your new implants is no more difficult than cleaning your own natural teeth. However, we do recommend that you see a trained implant hygienist every 3 months. It's worth noting that if you have previously lost teeth due to gum disease, it's vital that your new teeth are well maintained.

How Long Will Treatment Last?

This depends entirely on your own healing ability as well as bone type. On average, a patient will usually have their final teeth in 4-6 months. However, this may take longer if we need to grow back bone first. Following your consultation, your dentist will be able to give you a timeline.

Can I Get Gum Disease With My New Implants?

It's always a possibility if you don't care for them as advised. However, you shouldn't have any issues as long as you keep them clean, don't smoke and visit your implant hygienist regularly.

Can I Take Out My Teeth If They Are Fixed To Implants?

Most artificial teeth can only be placed and removed by a dentist, as they are bonded to the implants or screwed in place. However, Click-tite dentures are removable for cleaning.

Will People Notice I Have Implants?

Your dentist will ensure that your implants will look no different to your natural teeth.

Is Treatment Expensive?

Dental implants are only considered expensive when compared to a denture. However, over time a denture will often need replacing or repairing. The benefits of dental implant treatment is the renowned sense of confidence and comfort you will feel, making them excellent value for money. We are competitively priced and we'll provide you with a full breakdown of costs before you make your final decision. In some cases you may be entitled to tax relief and if you have health insurance, you may be entitled to certain benefits (subject to prior approval).

Why Choose Seapoint

At Seapoint Clinic, our specialty is dental implant treatment, making us the country's largest dental implant provider and dental clinic for over a decade. This means we can provide a number of tailored options on a cost effective basis for our patients, thanks to our team of highly-experienced dentists.

Our in-house laboratory means that you won't be left without a smile. Being able to make temporary teeth the same day as your teeth come out, means less waiting and discomfort for you. Because we have combined the most trusted methods and techniques as well as investing in the latest modern technology, allows us to obtain the best possible result for you. This allows us to provide solutions to patients who were previously told they were unsuitable for dental implants. All of this makes for a quicker and more successful recovery for you.

We were also the first Irish dental clinic outside a hospital to have its own dedicated CT scanner. This allows us to see the bone in 3D so we can tell which type of implants is right for you, and we can start your treatment plan immediately, giving you back your confident smile sooner than you expected. We are now on our 2nd advanced version which has dramatically reduced the x-ray dose for you while improving image quality.

From your consultation to your final day with us, you will be looked after by our dedicated Patient Coordinators, who will help guide you through every process involved. Furthermore, we also have a relaxing recovery area where you can stay after the dental implants have been placed.

Our Patient Coordinators can also arrange accommodation for you in a local hotel if you wish to stay nearby before our after treatment. We are located conveniently across the road from the DART train station, which allows access from all over Ireland and is connected to both train and bus stations nationwide. We treat patients from all over Ireland and strive to make sure that you arrive both safely and comfortably.