Trust implants from The Smile Centre in Liskeard

Everyone seems to be talking about dental implants at the moment – so what are they and how can they help improve smiles? Chris Smirthwaite, principal dentist at The Smile Centre Liskeard has successfully placed hundreds of dental implants for patients across Liskeard, Cornwall and Plymouth.

Many patients keep their natural teeth for life, however teeth can be lost through accident, decay, or sometimes they do not develop. Patients at our Liskeard dental surgery have a number of choices for replacing missing teeth, such as bridges, dentures or tooth implants.

Consultations with Chris and one of our implant co-ordinators will ensure you are fully conversant with the treatment options, the achievable results and the costs, so that you can make an informed decision.

What is an oral implant?

Dental implants look, feel and work like the real thing and are a long lasting solution for permanently replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Oral implants can also provide a secure anchor for dentures and they are colour-matched to the existing teeth.

An implant is an artificial root made from titanium that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It can be placed in either the upper or lower jaw and, in time, will bond with the jawbone to create a firm foundation to which a replacement false tooth, bridge or denture can be fixed.

How long do they last?

In a healthy mouth with healthy bone, implant fixtures (the metal part) should last as long as natural teeth. They need caring for as natural teeth do. The crowns or bridges supported by the implants can last a decade or more.

How long will treatment take?

Dental implant treatment is complex and involves multiple visits to our dental surgery. The minimum treatment time is usually a few months and for most patients takes around a year to 18 months.

If you would like to find out more, please book your a free 30-minute initial consultation.