Feels like a real tooth.
Feels like the real you.

Losing a tooth can be more than inconvenient, and it doesn’t just affect your smile. It can affect your health and confidence too.

The face in the region of the missing tooth can appear ‘sunken’, and you may have difficulties in biting and chewing certain food.

Fortunately, they are easy to replace – immediately if necessary – with one implant replacing the natural tooth and it’s root. And a temporary crown can replace the gap in your mouth.

The implant integrates with your jawbone over a healing period of three to six months. Your dentist will then fit the permanent replacement tooth and advise you of any follow-up appointments that may be required.

A single tooth implant looks and feels like a natural tooth, fills out the face to it’s natural appearance, and prevents the tendency of neighbouring teeth to shift to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

Considering a dental implant?

Do you have problems with any of the following?

  • Just one tooth?
  • More than one tooth?
  • All of your teeth?
  • An existing implant?
  • A loose denture?

Over the last year, we have continued to help hundreds of people regain their smile and confidence with dental implants.

Our helpful and friendly team understands what it’s like to have these problems and can answer all your questions. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered at Shields.

Would you like to know more about dental implants?

Have a question about a treatment, need to book an appointment or would just like more information? Our treatment coordinators are available for free consultations in person at one of our conveniently located practices.

No obligation consultation.

Call 061 539322 for an appointment or read on for details of the various implant treatments available at Shields Dental & Orthodontic Clinics. You can also read a full list of our dental implant prices here.

  • Free consultation worth €150
  • Experienced dentist with over 24 years experience in dentistry
  • Over 1000 cases treated
  • Appointments available 7 days a week
  • 0% finance available up to 18 months
  • Complimentary teeth whitening treatment available to implant patients.

FAQs.

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What are the signs that I might need a dental implant?

There are 5 main signs that you might need implants:

  1. Missing teeth
  2. Cracked or broken teeth
  3. Problems eating or speaking
  4. Infected tooth or teeth and
  5. Facial changes
Am I a good candidate for a dental implant?

You can indeed get a dental implant if:

  • You have strong gums and sufficient bone in your jaw
  • Your jawbone has reached full growth
  • You don’t have any medical conditions that affect bone growth or healing
  • You are willing to wait several months for the end results

Furthermore, your dentist will give you a full oral examination and take x-rays of your teeth and jaws to decide if a dental implant procedure is suitable for you.

What is the dental implant procedure?

Firstly, a dental implant (also called ‘tooth implant’) procedure can stretch over several months. Secondly, the procedure is as follows:

  1. Bone Grafting

    If there has been any bone loss due to the missing tooth or missing teeth, bone grafting will be firstly carried out. This is done by introducing bone into the required area. The resulting bone acts as a scaffolding, thus causing more bone to regenerate around it. Also, it can take a few months for this to take place.

  2. The Implant

    The dental surgeon will first give a local anaesthetic and maybe also sedation. A small hole is then drilled into the bone under the gum and the titanium implant is screwed in. The gum is then stitched up. The resulting implant mimics the root of the tooth and will hold the replacement tooth to be fitted. Lastly, a few months are required for the bone to fuse around the implant and fix it firmly in place.

  3. The Abutement

    Once the bone and implant have fused, an abutment (the piece where the crown will eventually attach) is then fitted to the implant which extends above the gum line. Finally, when the gum heals around the abutment, the new tooth can be fixed on.

  4. The Crown

    The new tooth or teeth are prepared by taking moulds of the existing teeth to get an idea of the size and shape of the crown(s). The colour of the crown(s) is/are also matched to the existing teeth.

 

What are the side effects?

After the process is completed, you may experience some temporary discomfort as follows:

  • Gum and face swelling
  • Pain around the implant
  • Minor bleeding
  • Bruised gums and skin

Your doctor will prescribe you with medication to treat these side-effects.

Your implant site will also need time to heal. To allow for this, you should avoid hard foods. Keep this up until your wound has healed.

 

What is the required aftercare?

The required aftercare involves brushing your teeth regularly and caring for your implants just as you would your natural teeth. Also, floss at least once a day and visit the dental hygienist twice per year. In addition, avoid excess caffeine, red wine and tobacco. Most importantly, hard foods such as boiled sweets can damage tooth implants and are best avoided.

 

Are dental implants painful?

The short answer is yes. However, this pain is usually easy to control with the use of local anaesthetic, antibiotics and pain killers. In the end, mild discomfort is what most people experience. However, the level of discomfort is highly subjective and depends on your overall health. The bottom line is that you should expect some pain. If your pain continues for longer than two weeks then it is time to seek further medical help.

 

Behind every smile there's a story.

The staff at Shields Dental & Orthodontic Clinic, Limerick, are committed to delivering excellent care, aiming to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We strive to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in our clinics. Our team provides comprehensive service, looking after you from your initial contact through to your final follow-up appointment.

Here some of our patients tell you about their experience and how happy they are with their smile transformations.

Find out what makes us different.

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Convenient
locations.

You don’t have to go to Beverly Hills to look good, you can go local. In convenient locations in Limerick, Castletroy, Roscrea and Blackrock Dublin. Comfortable but advanced, friendly but professional. Click on your preferred location in the menu or use the arrows to discover more.

For the
smile you have
always wanted.

Use our FREE consultation service to speak to one of our Treatment Coordinators, who give you information about how we can help, without any financial commitment.

Most importantly it helps to build your confidence in starting your journey with Shields to the smile you have always wanted.

We’ll discuss with you what you would like to achieve with your dental health and the appearance of your smile, answer any questions and listen to any problems you may have had with your teeth in the past.