Dental implants Newcastle are a popular solution for those looking to replace missing teeth and improve both function and appearance. For many, the journey may seem complicated at first, but with expert support, it becomes a smooth and rewarding process.
This Article is here to help. We will walk you through the entire journey of getting dental implants at Westmountdentalsurgery.co.uk, a leading Specialist-led dental Practice in the North East. We will break down each step in simple, clear language, from your first consultation to enjoying your new smile for years to come.
What Are Dental Implants?
Let's start with the basics. A dental implant is a small, strong, medical-grade titanium post. It acts as an artificial tooth root. This post is surgically placed into your jawbone where your original tooth root used to be. After it heals and fuses with your bone, it provides a solid foundation for a new, custom-made crown (tooth) that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are a permanent solution. They don't slip or click when you talk or eat, and they help to maintain the health of your jawbone, preventing the sunken look that can happen after tooth loss.
Why Choose a Specialist-Led Dental Practice for Your Dental Implants Newcastle?
Choosing where to have your implant treatment is one of the most important decisions you will make. A Specialist-Led Dental Practice like Westmount Dental Surgery means your procedure is planned and performed by clinicians who have undergone years of extra, dedicated training specifically in implant dentistry and oral surgery.
This expertise ensures:
- Higher Success Rates: Specialists have advanced skills and knowledge.
- Better Planning: They use the latest technology for precise, predictable results.
- Handling Complex Cases: They can manage more challenging situations with confidence.
- Comprehensive Care: Your entire treatment is under one roof, from planning to aftercare.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dental Implant Journey
The process of getting implants takes several months. This is because it requires careful planning and time for your body to heal. Patience is key to achieving a successful, long-lasting result.
Step 1: First Conversation to Understand Your Needs
Your journey begins with a consultation. This is a chance for you to meet the team, discuss your goals, and for the specialist to see if you are a good candidate for implants.
What happens during this visit?
- Discussion: You'll talk about your medical history, any dental anxieties, and what you hope to achieve.
- Examination: The dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, and gums.
- 3D Scans (CBCT): This is a crucial part of the process. A Cone Beam CT scan provides a detailed 3D image of your jawbone. It shows the specialist the exact quality and quantity of your bone, the location of nerves and sinuses, and allows for virtual planning of the implant placement. This technology is a hallmark of a modern Specialist-Led Dental Practice.
- Treatment Plan & Quote: Based on the findings, the specialist will create a personalised treatment plan just for you. They will explain the number of implants needed, the timeline, and the total cost. There are no hidden fees.
Step 2: Treatment Planning the Digital Blueprint
After your consultation, the clinical team gets to work on your custom plan. Using the 3D scan, they use special software to plan the exact position, angle, and depth for each implant. This digital surgery ensures the procedure is as safe, accurate, and minimally invasive as possible. They may also use this data to create a surgical guide, a custom-made template that fits over your teeth and gums to guide the drill during surgery for ultimate precision.
Step 3: The Implant Placement Surgery The Foundation is Laid
On the day of your surgery, the team will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic, meaning you are awake but the area is completely numb. For patients who feel nervous, sedation options are available.
What happens during the surgery?
- The specialist will make a small opening in your gum to expose the jawbone.
- Using the surgical guide for accuracy, they will gently prepare the bone and place the titanium implant post into the precise pre-determined position.
- Once the implant is securely in place, a protective healing cap is often placed on top, and the gum is stitched closed over or around it. The surgery itself is typically not painful. You may feel some pressure, but not sharp pain. The procedure for a single implant can take as little as 30-60 minutes.
Step 4: Healing and Bone Fusion Building Long-Term Strength
This is the most important phase and the one that requires patience. After the implant is placed, your body needs time to do its magic. A natural process called "osseointegration" begins, where your jawbone grows around and fuses with the implant surface, locking it firmly in place. This makes the implant incredibly strong, just like a natural tooth root.
This healing period usually takes between 3 to 6 months. During this time, you will be given temporary teeth if needed, so you never have to go without a smile.
Step 5: Placing the Abutment – The Connecting Piece
Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is solidly part of your jaw, you will have a minor second procedure to place the abutment. The abutment is a small connector piece that screws into the implant and will eventually hold your new crown.
To place it, the dentist will reopen your gum to expose the implant, attach the abutment, and then close the gum around it (but not over it). Sometimes, the abutment is placed at the same time as the implant. Your gums will then heal for a couple of weeks around this new post.
Step 6: Making Your New Crown The Art of the Smile
After your gums have healed, the final and most exciting stage begins: creating your new tooth. This is all about art and aesthetics.
- Impressions: Your dentist will take very detailed impressions (moulds) or digital scans of your mouth and the abutment.
- Shade Matching: They will carefully match the colour of your new crown to your surrounding natural teeth so it blends in perfectly.
- Lab Work: The impressions are sent to a master dental lab, where a skilled technician crafts your permanent crown.
Step 7: Final Fit Enjoying Your Restored Smile
Finally, the day arrives! Your custom-made crown is securely attached to the abutment. The dentist will check the fit, your bite, and the colour to make sure everything is perfect. You will be able to look in a mirror and see your complete, beautiful new smile.
What Other Services Does a Specialist-Led Dental Practice Offer?
While renowned for Dental Implants Newcastle patients trust, a full-service practice like Westmount offers a complete range of treatments to meet all your dental needs. For example, if you have misaligned teeth but aren't missing any, you might be a perfect candidate for Invisalign, a clear, removable aligner system that straightens teeth without metal braces. Furthermore, if you need to see a Dentist Sunderland residents would travel for, you’ll find the same high standard of general and cosmetic dentistry available locally in Newcastle.
How Much Do Dental Implants Newcastle Cost?
The cost of dental implants varies for each person. It depends on:
- The number of implants you need.
- Whether you require any additional procedures (like a bone graft).
- The type of final teeth you choose (a single crown, a bridge, or implant-supported dentures).
While the initial cost is higher than other options like bridges or dentures, implants are a long-term investment in your health, function, and confidence. They are designed to last for decades, often a lifetime, with proper care. During your consultation at Westmountdentalsurgery.co.uk, you will receive a clear, detailed breakdown of the cost for your specific treatment plan.
Caring for Your New Dental Implants
Your new implants are designed to last a lifetime, and their success depends on how well you look after them. The good news is that caring for them is just like caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush twice a day gently around the implant crown and gumline.
- Floss daily using special implant floss or a water flosser to clean around the abutment.
- Attend regular check-ups and hygienist appointments. This is non-negotiable. Your specialist needs to monitor your implants, gums, and bone health to ensure everything remains in perfect condition.
A Final Thoughts on Your Journey to a New Smile
Choosing to get dental implants is a significant decision, but it is one that can dramatically improve your quality of life. By choosing a Specialist-Led Dental Practice like Westmount Dental Surgery for your Dental Implants Newcastle treatment, you are putting your smile in the most capable hands.
The team understands that every patient's journey is unique. They are dedicated to guiding you through each step with compassion, expertise, and the highest standard of care. From the first scan to your final smile reveal, your comfort, health, and happiness are their top priorities.
Ready to take the first step?
Phone: 0191 607 8773
Email: enquiries@westmountdentalsurgery.co.uk
Contact Westmount Dental Surgery today to book your consultation and begin your journey to a confident, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Visit westmountdentalsurgery.co.uk to learn more and get in touch.