Dental Implants 

Mr Jonathan McLean has been successfully placing dental implants in Aberdeen since 2007. 

What is a dental implant?

• A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped post made of titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
• An implant can provide a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge or denture.
• Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth because they look, feel and function like natural teeth.
• Implants are durable and with proper care an implant can last for many years.
• Dental implants are often recommended for patients who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay or periodontal disease.
• A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth.
  

Full Arch (All on four)

All-on-4 dental implants are a type of dental implant procedure used to replace missing teeth or dentures with a full arch of prosthetic teeth. It involves placing four (or more) dental implants into the jawbone, which serve as a foundation for a fixed dental bridge or denture.

The procedure is typically used for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or other factors. The implants are strategically placed in the jawbone to take advantage of the strongest available bone, which allows for immediate loading and the avoidance of bone grafting in most cases.

Once the implants are placed, a dental prosthesis (bridge or denture) is attached to the implants, creating a stable and functional set of teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. The prosthesis is usually made of high-quality materials such as porcelain or acrylic, and is customised to fit the patient’s mouth and desired aesthetics.

Full arch dental implants offer several advantages over traditional dentures or implant procedures.  

• Improved stability and comfort
• Reduced healing time
• The ability to eat and speak with confidence
• More cost-effective option as they require fewer implants
• Can be completed in a shorter time frame

Single missing tooth

If you have only one missing tooth then a single-tooth implant is an ideal solution for your smile. It’s a great alternative to a bridge as it restores the gap without sacrificing any of your neighbouring healthy teeth.

How does the process work?

A small titanium post is positioned into the jaw to replace the missing tooth root. Once the implant has fused with the remaining bone tissue it should be strong enough to support the replacement crown. Your crown will be designed to match the surrounding teeth for an extremely natural result. With the proper care of an implant, patients can expect years of comfort and functionality. 

Implant-retained bridges

Implant retained bridges can be used when more than one tooth is missing. They are very similar to a traditional dental bridges but are supported by implants instead of natural teeth. In doing so they have many advantages.

An implant-retained bridge helps provide additional strength to the jaw bone and also remains resistant to decay. Once fitted the bridge will feel more comfortable and secure than a removable partial denture. You’ll be able to eat and drink food as normal and smile confidently with your new natural-looking restoration.

Implant Retained Denture

An implant-retained denture is a type of denture that is supported by dental implants.  This can be a excellent option for individuals who are missing most or all of their teeth and want a more secure and stable alternative to traditional dentures.  

Implant-retained dentures are generally a removable prosthesis. They are typically more expensive than traditional dentures but can provide greater comfort, stability, and confidence in daily activities like speaking and eating.

Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Dentures can be either partial or full, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced.

Dentures are typically made of acrylic resin and may contain metal clasps that attach to neighbouring teeth to hold them in place. They are custom-made to fit each individual’s mouth, and can be adjusted as needed for comfort and function.

Dentures can improve a person’s ability to eat, speak, and smile, and can also help maintain the shape of the face by providing support for the lips and cheeks.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is called a bridge because it spans the gap between remaining teeth or dental implants, and fills in the space with a prosthetic tooth or teeth.

A dental bridge typically consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are held in place by dental crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap. The crowns serve as anchors for the bridge and are cemented into place to provide a stable and long-lasting restoration.

Dental bridges can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of materials. They are custom-made to match the colour and shape of the patient’s natural teeth, and require proper care and maintenance, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent decay and gum disease.

Dental bridges can improve the appearance of the smile, restore proper chewing function, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position.