A dental implant is a small but strong post used in place of a missing tooth root and it acts as a support or base for fixing individual crowns, multi-tooth bridges or dentures.
Until fairly recently, traditional dentures and bridges were the only options for replacing missing teeth.
Some people can’t comfortably wear dentures. They find them painful, they don’t remain in place, and they can cause embarrassing clicking noises when you eat, speak or laugh. Traditional bridges can also cause the bone in that area to recede, possibly destabilising the adjacent teeth, and increasing the risk of periodontal disease to those teeth.
A dental implant has none of these disadvantages with improved techniques and advances in the materials used for dental implants making them a better alternative for many people.
If you are interested in dental implants, please contact the practice and arrange a consultation. Dental implant treatment could give your teeth a new lease of life.
Phase 1 Implant placement.
Our implant surgeon will apply a local anaesthetic and place a titanium post into the jaw bone in the location of the missing tooth.
This procedure is quick, lasting between one and two hours and relatively painless due to the local anaesthetic. You may experience a small amount of discomfort following the placement of the implant but this will subside and healing will occur relatively quickly.
Phase 2 Biological integration
This occurs when the implant has integrated with the bone, and is usually expected to occur within 8-12 weeks. In a very small amount of cases, this integration may take up to a year.
When the implant has integrated with the bone, it will provide a strong and stable platform for the new crown or bridge.
Phase 3 Restoring the implant
Once your implant integrates with the bone, we are then able to restore the implant. After taking molds of the position of the implants, the final ‘teeth’ can be individually designed, made and cemented or screwed into the implant.
Once in place, they will look, feel and function as a natural tooth.
If you have a single missing tooth, a single dental implant offers a long-lasting and natural-looking replacement. At Walberton Dental Surgery in Barnham, we often replace missing front teeth with dental implants for strong, seamless results. A small titanium implant is placed into the jawbone and topped with a custom-made dental crown that looks and functions just like your own tooth. It’s the most reliable way to restore your smile and confidence.
If you have lost several teeth, multiple dental implants can restore your bite and appearance with exceptional stability. Depending on your needs, we may use individual dental implants with crowns or a dental bridge supported by two or more implants. Not every missing tooth requires its own implant. For example, two implants can support a bridge to replace several adjoining teeth. This approach reduces cost and treatment time while delivering natural, secure results.
Do you find your dentures loose or uncomfortable? Implant retained dentures offer a secure, stable solution that makes eating and speaking easier. Dental implants are placed to hold your denture firmly in position, eliminating slipping or movement. The number of implants required depends on your individual needs. At Walberton Dental Surgery near Bognor Regis, our experienced implant team will design a treatment plan to restore your confidence and comfort with a beautifully secure smile.
Our Dental Implant treatments are led by Dr Anna, a highly skilled dentist with advanced training in implant reconstructive surgery. With over 20 years of experience across Poland and the UK, she combines technical expertise with a caring, patient-focused approach that ensures exceptional results.
Dr Anna holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implant Reconstructive Surgery from Brighton and Sussex Medical School and a Diploma in Restorative Dentistry FGDP (UK) from MANDEC in Manchester. She continues to advance her knowledge through regular international courses and will begin her MSc in Implant Dentistry at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid in December 2025.
