Replacing Missing Teeth
Are you missing a tooth or several teeth?
Try as we might, it is not always possible to save all teeth. There are times that a tooth is so heavily decayed or fractured beyond repair that the only option is to remove it.
Whilst the loss of a tooth can come as a shock, know that you are in good hands and before removing a tooth we consider the best long term option for you and your lifestyle.
If you have lived with a gap for some time and have now decided you would like to discover what treatment could be available
The Gold Standard
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered to be the “gold-standard” of tooth replacement.
Dental implants are the closest replacement to a natural tooth – they act independently, not needing to be supported by neighbouring teeth like a bridge, and their function and feeling is comparable to that of a natural tooth.
A dental implant generally comprises of three parts – the implant (below the gum), the crown (the tooth-like structure) and the component which joins them together called an abutment.
There are multiple stages to a dental implant: the surgical phase and the restorative phase. The surgical phase, the placement of the dental implant, is carried out by our specialist Implant Surgeons at our nearby sister practice on Wimpole Street, whilst the restorative phase, placing the tooth or crown on top, is carried out by one of our experienced dentists.
Our Specialist Network
Dr Andrew Dawood
Specialist in Periodontics & Prosthodontics, Dental Implant Surgeon
Dr. Andrew Dawood focuses his clinical practice on dental implant surgery at the Dawood and Tanner Specialist Dental Practice, having worked with dental implants for more than 25 years.
He is involved in research and development for specialist implant manufacture and in 3D imaging and 3D printing.
Andrew has honorary attachments at University College London and the Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals, London, where he provides implant rehabilitation and restoration of the craniomaxillofacial complex for patients who have undergone extensive resection or trauma.
He heads a large clinical and scientific team in London working closely together for the ultimate benefit of the patient. He is well represented in the scientific literature and has several significant innovations to his name.
Maintaining appearance and bite
Bridges
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by bridging the gap between two teeth and is a great option if a dental implant is not possible.
A bridge is a fixed replacement which uses the neighbouring teeth of the gap as the foundation with the replacement tooth joining the two together. The neighbouring teeth need to be modified slightly to allow space for the new bridge and the overall appearance is improved.
This type of restoration is fabricated by a dental technician and is usually carried out over two appointments – one to make adjustments and take moulds of your teeth and the second to fit your new bridge.
Maintaining appearance and bite
Dentures
Dentures are comparable to a frame which sits on top of the gums under the tongue or across the roof of your mouth. The replacement teeth are fixed to the frame allowing these teeth to function like a natural tooth. As a removable options, dentures are removed at the end of the day.
Multiple appointments and adjustments are required to design and perfect a denture to ensure it is comfortable for you when eating or speaking. It can take a little practice and time to adjust to however, the advancement of materials mean that the dentures of today can be quite discreet.