Why choose dental implants?
Dental implants are a high-tech method of replacing a missing tooth or teeth, giving you the ability to taste, eat, smile and laugh without discomfort or compromise. The procedure involves placing an artificial tooth ‘root’ in the jaw bone, to which a new, custom-crafted tooth can be attached. State-of-the-art technology and techniques mean that dental implants involve relatively minor surgery – and at Holmes Dental Care, our patients have the option of using dental sedation. Dentists agree that there is no better way to recreate the look, feel and permanence of a real tooth.
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An implant dentist you can trust
Dr Barry Holmes is one of South Wales’ most prominent dental implantologists and welcomes even the most complex cases. If you are considering implants, or have been referred by another dentist, the first step will be a consultation during which Dr Holmes will talk you through your options and ensure you feel completely confident in his care. As a dentist highly experienced in a wide variety of dental treatments, Dr Holmes welcomes multidisciplinary cases, so patients can access a range of treatments under one roof, in the comfort of Holmes Dental Care – from preparation procedures (such as bone grafting) and implant placement to ensuring the final restoration looks and feels exactly as you want it. All stages can be carried out by the same clinician, as we recognise that this can assist in patient comfort.
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Dental implants will…
Boost your confidence.
Dental implants not only restore tooth function, they give you back your smile too – and it’s this emotional factor that makes implants such a popular solution. Because dental implants are fixed and permanent, they don’t carry the risks of damage and breakage associated with other forms of restorative dental work, so once your implants have been completed, you can get on with life without worrying about your teeth.
Give you quality of life.
Dental implants have the exceptional benefit of allowing you to eat and drink what you want, when you want – so they’re a great alternative to dentures, which can limit your food choices in numerous ways.
Keep you looking younger for longer.
Even if your missing teeth aren’t causing you any discomfort, in the long term the bone underneath will shrink and become brittle, causing the facial tissues to sag dramatically. Because dental implants continue to support your jaw bone, they prevent this from happening, maintaining your facial structure and a youthful smile.
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Nervous about visiting the dentist?
At Holmes Dental Care we offer Dental Sedation as a solution for dental phobia so that our patients can receive anxiety free dental treatment. Dental sedation helps patients to feel comfortable and relaxed and helps lengthy procedures pass quickly.
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FAQS
What is a dental implant exactly?
A dental implant is a small post made of titanium – which is light, extremely strong and biocompatible, so is well tolerated by the body. Placed in your jaw bone, it does the work of a tooth root, supporting a custom-made crown permanently.
Can anyone have implants?
Generally speaking, yes. We don’t recommend it for children, whose jaws are still growing, but for everyone else, if your mouth is healthy then it is likely that implants will be suitable for you. If your mouth is not healthy, Dr Holmes will consult with you about a treatment plan to carry out the necessary dental work to get your oral health back to optimum condition.
What are the different options for implants?
Implants can be used in lots of ways – replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full set of teeth. A minimal number of implants can also be used to permanently anchor bridges and dentures. Implant choice extends to brand, too – Dr Holmes is experienced in placing Straumann implants utilising supporting biomaterials from Botiss, Geistlich and Osteobiol, the different advantages of which he will explain during your consultation.
How does the implant process work?
Dental implant placement is an extremely precise form of surgery, thanks to modern advances in digital technology. An initial assessment can be made using a state-of-the-art CT scanner (where necessary), which creates a 3D image of your jaw bone, tissues and vital structures. In complex cases this image can be fed into software that generates a 3D drilling guide, which is sent to a technician to be manufactured for real. The physical guide is returned to Dr Holmes, ready for surgery. Implant surgery is carried out using precise drills at low speeds or a magnetic device, which is not only completely precise but reduces inflammation and recovery time too.
Once the implant has been inserted, the next step in the process is to wait while it integrates with the jaw bone. Over a period of around three months, the bone will naturally fuse with the implant, creating the solid, permanent structure onto which a crown can be fixed. While you are waiting, and where necessary, a temporary crown can be fitted.
The final stage of implant surgery is all about the aesthetics and function, when Dr Holmes will affix your custom-made crown, or artificial tooth, to the implant. You will be given special instructions on looking after your teeth post-implant surgery, and will be required to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and keep your teeth in top condition.
Does implant surgery hurt?
No – implant surgery is usually a completely pain-free procedure and is most often carried out under local anaesthetic or occasionally conscious sedation (if necessary), which combines sedative, analgesic and local anaesthetic. There may be some swelling for a few days after the procedure. Dr Holmes will supply you with a comprehensive aftercare plan.
How quickly can I go back to work after implants?
Most patients can return to work within one or two days of surgery, sometimes even the same day.
How long does the whole process take?
Dental implants mostly take around 3-4 months altogether, from the initial assessment to the fitting of the final crown. The process may be longer only if extraction is required first or if grafting is needed.
Before & After
