Full Dental Implants in Southampton
Rebuilding Your Smile with Dental Implants
Losing one or more teeth can affect far more than your appearance. It can change the way you eat, speak and feel about yourself day to day. Dental implants offer a secure, natural-looking way to replace missing teeth, helping you feel more confident and comfortable again.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement tooth root. Once it has settled, it supports a custom-made crown, bridge or denture, giving a stable result that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Because the implant sits directly in the bone, it also helps to preserve the shape of your jaw, which can otherwise change over time when teeth are missing.
At Acorn Dental Health, implant treatment is led by Principal Dentist and Implant Specialist Nicholas Sherwin, supported by our wider clinical team. You can read more about our dentists on our Our Team page. Whether you need a single implant, several implants, or a full smile restoration, we will talk you through the options that suit your situation, your health and your budget.
If you are also considering how to restore heavily worn or damaged teeth, you may want to read about our dental crowns and veneers, which are sometimes used alongside implant treatment. For patients missing several teeth, our denture options, including implant-secured dentures, may also be worth exploring.
Cost is an important part of any decision. Our fees page gives a guide to treatment costs, and we also offer flexible finance options to help spread the cost of your treatment.
How Dental Implants Work
Implant treatment usually takes place in stages. First, we carry out a full assessment, including scans where needed, to check that you have enough healthy bone to support an implant and to plan the position of each implant carefully.
The titanium implant post is then placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Over the following weeks, the bone gradually fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a firm and stable foundation. Once healing is complete, we attach a small connector, known as an abutment, followed by your custom-made crown, bridge or denture.
Every patient's mouth is different, so your treatment plan may vary depending on the number of teeth being replaced and the condition of your jawbone. Some patients may need a bone graft or sinus lift before implants can be placed, and we will always explain clearly why this is recommended if it applies to you.
Is Dental Implant Treatment Right for You?
Dental implants can be a good option if you are missing one or more teeth and are in good general health, with healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. They are often chosen by patients who want a long-term, fixed solution rather than a removable denture, or who would prefer not to alter the neighbouring healthy teeth, as can happen with a bridge.
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and certain medical conditions can affect healing, so we will always discuss your medical history with you during your consultation. If implants are not the right choice for you, we will explain the alternatives available, such as bridges, dentures or crowns, so you can make an informed decision.
Every treatment plan begins with an honest conversation about what you would like to achieve, followed by a clear explanation of the likely cost. You can find a guide to pricing on our fees page, and our team can also talk you through the finance options available to help spread the cost.
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients find that having dental implants placed is no more uncomfortable than having a tooth taken out. We use local anaesthetic to numb the area during treatment, and any mild soreness or swelling afterwards can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. We will always talk you through what to expect and make sure you feel as comfortable as possible.
Am I suitable for dental implants?
Most people who are missing one or more teeth and are in good general health can be considered for dental implants, as long as there is enough healthy bone to support them. During your consultation, we will assess your gum health, bone levels and medical history to check whether implants are a suitable option, or whether an alternative treatment would serve you better.
What happens if I don't replace a missing tooth?
A gap left by a missing tooth can allow neighbouring teeth to shift out of position and cause changes to your bite over time. The jawbone in that area can also gradually lose density without a tooth root to stimulate it. Replacing the tooth, whether with an implant, bridge or denture, helps to maintain the health and shape of your mouth.
Can all my teeth be replaced with implants?
Yes, for patients missing all of their teeth, options such as All-on-4 implants or implant-secured dentures can provide a full set of replacement teeth supported by a small number of implants. We will assess your bone levels and overall oral health to recommend the most suitable approach for full-mouth restoration.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
There is no fixed upper age limit for dental implants. What matters most is your general health, gum condition and the amount of bone available to support the implant, rather than your age. Implants are usually only recommended for adults once the jaw has fully developed. We will discuss whether implants are appropriate for you at your consultation.
Will I need a bone graft before I can have implants?
Not everyone needs a bone graft. It is only recommended when a scan shows that there is not quite enough bone in the area to support an implant securely, often because the tooth has been missing for some time. If this applies to you, we will explain the process clearly and talk through the timeframes involved before moving ahead with treatment.
How do I look after my dental implants?
Dental implants are cared for in much the same way as natural teeth, with thorough brushing twice a day and regular cleaning between teeth. We recommend keeping up with routine check-ups and hygiene appointments so we can monitor the health of your implant and surrounding gum tissue. Good oral hygiene plays an important part in supporting the long-term health of your implant.
Considering Dental Implants?
Every smile is different, and the best way to find out if dental implants are right for you is to talk to our team. Give us a call to arrange a consultation, or visit our Contact Us page for more ways to get in touch.
At Acorn Dental Health, we can fit porcelain veneers or crowns to help restore the appearance of your teeth. They look extremely natural and will be matched to the colour of your teeth.
