Losing a tooth is about more than just a gap in your smile. It can affect your confidence, your ability to chew the foods you love, and even the shape of your face.
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For decades, the only solutions for missing teeth were dentures (false teeth) or dental bridges. While these options are still available, dental technology has moved on. Today, Dental Implants are widely considered by dentists in the UK—and here at Croydon Dental Practice—to be the “Gold Standard” for tooth replacement.
But why are they considered superior? And are they right for you? Here is everything you need to know about replacing missing teeth in Croydon.
What is a Dental Implant?
Unlike a denture (which sits on top of the gum) or a bridge (which rests on neighbouring teeth), a dental implant replaces the entire tooth, including the root.
It consists of three parts:
- The Implant: A small titanium screw that is gently placed into your jawbone.
- The Abutment: A connector piece that links the screw to the tooth.
- The Crown: A custom-made porcelain tooth that looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth.
Reason 1: They Save Your Jawbone
This is the most critical medical benefit that patients often don’t know about.
When you lose a tooth, the bone that used to support it begins to shrink (resorb) because it is no longer being stimulated by chewing pressure. Over time, this bone loss can cause your face to look “sunken” and make you appear older.
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Because a dental implant is fused into the bone (a process called osseointegration), it tricks your body into thinking the tooth is still there. This stimulates the bone and prevents it from shrinking—something dentures and bridges cannot do.
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Reason 2: No Damage to Healthy Teeth
To fit a traditional Dental Bridge, a dentist usually has to file down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors. This removes healthy enamel and can weaken those teeth over time.
Dental Implants are stand-alone. We do not need to touch or damage your other healthy teeth to place them.
Reason 3: Rock-Solid Stability (Eat Steak Again!)
If you have ever worn a denture, you know the fear: Will it slip when I talk? Can I eat this apple?
Dentures can move, rub, and cause sore spots. They often reduce your biting power significantly. Implants, however, are anchored firmly in your jaw. They provide biting force comparable to natural teeth, allowing you to eat steak, crusty bread, and corn on the cob without hesitation.
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Reason 4: A Long-Term Investment
We know that the upfront cost of dental implants is higher than other options. However, when you look at the lifetime cost, they often work out to be excellent value.
- Dentures often need relining or replacing every 5–7 years as your gum shape changes.
- Bridges typically last 10–15 years before needing replacement.
- Dental Implants are designed to be a permanent solution. With proper hygiene and regular check-ups, they can last a lifetime.
The Process at Croydon Dental Practice
Getting an implant is a journey, not a single appointment. Here is how we handle it at our Lower Addiscombe Road specialist centre:
- Consultation & Scan: We use advanced imaging (like CT scans) to check your bone density and plan the placement with precision.
- Placement: The implant is placed under local anaesthetic (or sedation if you are nervous). Most patients report it is less painful than having a tooth out!
+1 - Healing: We wait 3–6 months for the bone to fuse with the implant.
- Restoration: We fit your custom-made crown, giving you back your smile.
“Am I Suitable for Implants?”
Most adults with good general health are suitable. However, you need enough bone in your jaw to support the screw. If you have lost bone, don’t worry—we can often perform bone grafting techniques to rebuild it.
Smoking can also affect healing, so we strongly advise patients to quit or cut down before treatment.
Ready to Fill the Gap?
If you are tired of hiding your smile or struggling with loose dentures, let’s discuss a permanent solution.
At Croydon Dental Practice, we accept referrals for complex implant cases and treat patients from across South London. We also offer 0% Finance Plans to help spread the cost of your new smile.
Book your Implant Consultation today.
📞 Call us: 020 8656 6959 📍 Visit us: 202 Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon, CR0 7AB 🦷 Read more on our Specialist Services Page