Here at Cotteswold House, we understand the importance of a full service dental practice offering our patients support for each stage of their oral health, so you can be confident you can have complete and trusted care under one roof without the need to be referred elsewhere. Therefore it gives us great pleasure that Dr Guy Bailey, a highly skilled and experienced implantologist, has joined the growing Cotteswold House team, and we are excited to tell you all about dental implants, whether this can help you now or in the future.
Dr Guy Bailey
Guy has trained extensively as a medical doctor and dentist, as well as a maxillofacial surgeon. We are delighted to bring his many years of experience performing dental implant procedures and world-class skills to our Gloucester practice. Dr Bailey’s patients can be confident that his implant treatments conform to ITI standards, and the Straumann components he uses are guaranteed for 5 years, ensuring your procedure goes as smoothly as possible at every step of the way.
What are implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for lost teeth. Titanium fixtures are fused to the bone in your jaw, replicating a tooth root, and onto this a crown resembling a natural tooth is fitted. They are the most realistic option cosmetically, as well as being the best choice for longevity and usability.
Implants can be inserted to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or to anchor crowns, bridges or dentures. They are the next best option to natural teeth, preserving facial structure and allowing the patient to eat normally and potentially enjoy decades before needing to be replaced. The procedure has very high success rates. At your initial consultation, Guy will discuss important factors such as age, implant size, bone quality and placement within the mouth to help ensure your complete satisfaction with the results.
What are the options when you lose a tooth?
When you lose a tooth, or teeth, you are faced with a few options. You could leave the gap, have an implant, or get fitted for dentures or a bridge.
Leaving the gap, particularly if it is near the back of the mouth may be a tempting option, however it should be discussed with your dentist. When you have all your teeth, they work together to prevent movement; the pressure of the upper and lower teeth pushing against each other, as well as neighbouring teeth supporting each other, helps to maintain your bite and smile. Any gaps that open up create space for other teeth to move into and this could lead to more problems in the future.
Replacing teeth: bridges, dentures and implants
A bridge is a permanent false tooth, which is attached by placing crowns or ‘wings’ on the neighbouring teeth to hold it in place. It still needs to be cleaned daily, like all teeth, and you must also clean underneath it using a special tool. These can be a reasonable solution in some cases, and you can discuss with your dentist if this is right for you.
Dentures are removable replacements for lost teeth. Unlike implants and bridges, they don’t require bone for support as they are fitted to gums and bonded in place, which makes them a useful option amongst older patients whose bone density has deteriorated. As they are not permanent, there is some upkeep to be considered. For example, it is necessary to remove and clean them after eating as well as overnight. Due to the nature of how dentures are fitted, they can create pressure spots and soreness from rubbing. They also restrict diet as the chewing function is limited and they will need to be checked and refitted as your bite changes over time, however the less invasive nature may be preferable to some patients.
For comparison, implants are very long lasting and the upkeep is the same as natural teeth. Although they are fitted with a surgical procedure, here at Cotteswold House maximum consideration is taken to patient comfort using a minimally invasive approach.
Dental implants: consultation to completion
If you and your dentist think that you would be a good candidate for a dental implant, we can arrange your consultation with Guy. Here you will discuss your needs and requirements, as well as any potential complications you should be aware of, and we will provide you with a quotation for the cost of treatment. Should you choose to proceed, Guy will conduct a dental imaging scan, and use this, study models, diagnostic wax ups and surgical guides to create your treatment plan so that together you can review and discuss your expected results.
During the procedure, Guy will remove the root of the damaged tooth, drill a hole in the jawbone and implant a metal ‘post’. Bone cells are encouraged to create new bone on the metal post; this process is called ‘osseointegration’ and occurs after 6-8 weeks, creating a strong bond to stabilise the new ‘tooth’. An abutment is fitted to this post, to which the final crown is attached. The crown will be created and colour matched to seamlessly fit with your natural teeth and restore your smile. All this is carried out under intravenous (IV) sedation, allowing a painless and comfortable procedure with minimal downtime.
IV sedation is where you are conscious and able to speak with your dentist but you will be relaxed and sleepy, and may not remember the procedure. It is ideal because it allows your dentist to interact with you throughout the process, and you can avoid the worries and inconvenience of a general anaesthetic.
Complications from an implant procedure could include possible infection or an issue with one of the components, such as a loose post. We will ensure you have the very best aftercare so that your recovery is as quick and complication-free as possible.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of implants varies considerably, depending on how many teeth need replacing, as well as their size and location in your mouth. Your accurate quotation will be given following your consultation, but as a guide prices start at around £3,000 per tooth. An initial implant consultation with Dr Guy Bailey is £100.
Next steps
If you have any questions about dental implants or would just like to know more, please contact our Cotteswold House Dental Care team 01452 345635 or email appointments@cotteswoldhouse.co.uk to arrange an appointment or book to attend our open evening on Thursday 2nd February.
