Dental implants have transformed modern dentistry, offering a long-term solution for missing teeth and restoring both function and confidence. In today’s post, we explore the longevity of dental implants, delve into the issue of implant infections, and share insights from our highly experienced team at Ten Dental Facial—based in Clapham and Balham—ensuring that every patient receives a calm, relaxed and comfortable experience.
A Patient-Centred Approach to Dental Implants
At Ten Dental Facial, we pride ourselves on our philosophy of putting patients first. Every treatment decision is made collaboratively, ensuring that you are fully informed and comfortable with every stage of your dental journey. Our practice is supported by a broad spectrum of dental professionals who are dedicated to restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, making us a trusted name in Clapham and Balham.
Understanding Dental Implant Longevity
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss. With proper care and regular maintenance, many implants can last decades, often outlasting the patient. However, longevity is influenced by several factors:
- Bone Quality and Quantity: The amount and density of the jawbone play a crucial role in the stability of the implant. In cases where bone is insufficient, procedures such as bone grafting—performed expertly by our team—can provide a solid foundation.
- Oral Hygiene: Good oral care is essential. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help to prevent complications and extend the life of your implants.
- Lifestyle Factors: Habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can impair healing and affect the long-term success of dental implants.
- Systemic Health: Conditions like diabetes can influence implant longevity. We work closely with our patients to ensure that any underlying health concerns are managed appropriately.
Dr Nikhil Sisodia, one of our leading implant surgeons, has long maintained that listening to the patient is the cornerstone of successful diagnosis and treatment. His approach involves a detailed examination of your dental history and current health, ensuring that every implant treatment is customised to your unique situation.
The Role of Implant Infections
While dental implants have a high success rate, complications such as peri-implant infections (sometimes referred to as peri-implantitis) can occur. These infections affect the tissues surrounding the implant and, if left untreated, may compromise the implant’s stability.
Causes of Implant Infections
- Bacterial Accumulation: Just as with natural teeth, bacteria can accumulate around implants if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
- Surgical Factors: The surgical process, if not executed with precision, can increase the risk of infection. Our implant surgeons, including Dr Martin Wanendeya, ensure that every procedure is carried out with the utmost precision and adherence to stringent sterilisation protocols.
- Patient Health: As mentioned earlier, systemic conditions and lifestyle factors can predispose individuals to infections.
Preventing and Managing Infections
Prevention is always preferable to cure. At our Clapham and Balham practices, we emphasise:
- Comprehensive Pre-Operative Assessments: Prior to any implant surgery, our clinicians conduct thorough assessments to identify and mitigate any potential risk factors.
- Meticulous Surgical Technique: Both Dr Sisodia and Dr Wanendeya are renowned for their precision. Their extensive training—both in the UK and internationally—ensures that every implant is placed with a focus on longevity and minimal complication risk.
- Post-Operative Care: We provide clear post-operative instructions, including how to maintain excellent oral hygiene and the importance of follow-up visits. In the event that an infection does occur, early detection through regular reviews enables prompt intervention.
- Patient Education: By involving our patients in every decision, we ensure that you understand the importance of maintaining implant health. Regular professional cleanings and check-ups can prevent complications from developing.
Our Expertise in Clapham and Balham
At Ten Dental Facial, our clinics in Clapham and Balham are designed to offer a calm, relaxing and comfortable environment, reflecting our commitment to a stress-free patient experience. We believe that every patient deserves to be fully informed and confident in their treatment choices. Our dedicated team—comprising dentists, implant surgeons, periodontists, hygienists, endodontists and orthodontists—ensures that every procedure, from the simplest to the most complex, is carried out with the highest level of care.
A Closer Look at Our Implant Surgeons in Clapham & Balham London
Dr Nikhil Sisodia
Dr Sisodia’s passion for dental implants is matched only by his commitment to patient care. With a degree from Bristol University and years of experience in restorative dentistry, he has developed an approach that focuses on listening and individualised care. His work as a lecturer and mentor for implant companies underscores his dedication to advancing implant techniques and ensuring that patients receive the best possible outcomes.
Dr Martin Wanendeya
Dr Wanendeya’s journey in dentistry has been marked by his interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which later evolved into a focus on implant procedures. His advanced training, including a Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons, sets him apart as a leader in his field. His role as a tutor and mentor further demonstrates his commitment to continual learning and excellence. Patients appreciate his clear communication and the time he takes to ensure that every treatment plan is tailored to individual needs.
The Future of Dental Implants
The field of dental implantology is ever-evolving. With ongoing research and technological advancements, we are continually refining our techniques to improve implant longevity and reduce the risk of complications. Both Dr Sisodia and Dr Wanendeya regularly attend courses in the UK and abroad to stay at the forefront of implant innovations, ensuring that our patients in Clapham, Balham and beyond benefit from the latest developments.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, and with the right care, they can serve you for decades. By understanding the factors that affect implant longevity and recognising the importance of preventing and managing infections, patients can make informed decisions about their dental health. At Ten Dental Facial, our patient-centred approach and commitment to excellence mean that every treatment is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that you are involved in every decision.
We invite you to visit our clinics in Clapham and Balham to experience our welcoming environment and benefit from the expertise of our highly experienced implant surgeons, Dr Nikhil Sisodia and Dr Martin Wanendeya. Together, we can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile for years to come.